Elliot Parfitt, 23, from Coleford is all geared up to cycle 100 miles in the name of a charity very close to his heart.

He is aking part in the Prudential RideLondon event which will see professional and amateur cyclists participate in a 100-mile challenge on specially closed roads around London and Surrey.

Having lived with a genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) from birth, Elliot is riding to raise funds and awareness for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association, an organisation that has provided invaluable support for him and his family.

Elliot explains: “TSC can affect different people in different ways and can cause growths on the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys, lungs and on the skin. For me, it started with severe fits as a baby, which thankfully haven’t returned since treatment at seven months old. Due to TSC, I have mild learning difficulties, I am autistic, I have angiofibromas on my face and growths in my brain and kidneys (including a particularly large one in my left kidney called an angiomyolipoma) and a retinal astrocytoma in one of my eyes.

“TSC has affected me in a number of ways, but I don’t let it rule my life. I aim to complete the 100 miles this weekend in the best time possible! I want to raise money and support for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association to thank them for being there for me and my family.”

Elliot’s mum, Sally, adds: “The TSA is an incredibly valuable resource for people living with TSC. The charity supports a fantastic, specialist clinic at the RUH, Bath, with amazing doctors, and also funds research into what can be a devastating condition, while providing advisors to offer much-needed support.

“Elliot’s dad, Mike, his brothers, Jake and George, and I are so proud of him and we can’t wait to cheer him on at the RideLondon event as he raises money for such a fantastic charity.”

If you’d like to support Elliot and the Tuberous Sclerosis Association, you can find out more and donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/sally-parfitt