CYCLING enthusiast James Stewart has begun a gruelling 2,300 mile cycle from Swindon to Sicily in a bid to raise £2,300 for a charity particularly close to his heart.

James’s sister, Angela, has Rett syndrome - a rare condition that begins in early childhood, affecting the development of the brain, causing severe physical and mental disability.

The condition affects approximately one in every 10-12,000 females and is rarely seen in males.

James, 30, of St Andrews Ridge, said: “Years without a diagnosis for Angela took its toll on our whole family.

"As well as raising much-needed funds for Reverse Rett, I want to spread awareness of Rett syndrome so other families don’t have to go through what ours did.

“The more people, especially health professionals, who know about the condition, the better. I am passionate about raising awareness for Retts along with funding Reverse Rett to hopefully find a cure.”

James, a member of Cirencester cycling club Performance Cycles, wanted the challenge to be both physically and mentally challenging.

His destination is Portopalo di Capo Passero, Sicily’s southernmost point, which he aims to reach in just 20 days’ time.

He will be averaging 125 miles per day and climbing a total of 36,000m, the equivalent of four ascents up Mount Everest.

He said: “The target I’ve set myself is high. It involves more miles and climbing than the modern Tour de France in as many or fewer days.

"There’ll be no teammates, no group to hide in, no following support cars or fancy team buses. Just me, my bike, my tent and whatever other luggage I can minimise.

"I've always wanted to do something for charity, but it had to be extreme. With Rett research looking so promising, now is that time.”

Andy Kirk, co-owner at Performance Cycles, said: “We’re immensely proud of James and his ambition for this challenge. Our cycling club sticks together and every one of us is 100 per cent behind him.”

Performance Cycles stocks many of the world’s leading cycle brands and supports seasoned experts as well as newcomers with a full range of parts and accessories, workshop facilities, bike fitting and more. The shop organises regular rides from its base in Poulton and provides a comprehensive event service package for other ride organisers.

James described Retts as a “cruel child-based disease that effects children all over the world”, and called for people to donate whatever they can to help beat it.

So far, James has raised over £1,800. To help him reach his target, you can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/James-Stewart35

For more information, visit www.performancecycles.co.uk, like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.