A TEENAGER whose epileptic seizures have left him with multiple fractures is set to go on the trip of a lifetime.

In November 2016 Daniel Everard had his first full blown clonic tonic seizure and was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy a month later.

After a difficult year in which he suffered head injuries, a fractured elbow and hand, and was forced to take large chunks of time out of Davenant school in Loughton, the 15 year-old received some life changing news.

On the recommendation of his neurologist, he was picked to go on a fully funded month long adventure holiday to Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with 17 other disadvantaged young people.

Mum Karen Everard, a fitness instructor, said: " It has been a really hard year and a half for him. He has just started his GCSEs and had spent a lot of time in hospital.

"He is on quite a lot of medication which slows his brain down.

"He used to play rugby for the school team, but he's been told he can never play again."

Although the Loughton resident will likely have epilepsy for the rest of his life, he has not had a seizure in eight months.

Backed by his doctor, Mr Everard won an interview with the Journey of a Lifetime Trust (JoLt) in February.

Last week the charity confirmed his place on the £5,500 trip.

After a practice weekend, Mr Everard and his group will head out on June 14, accompanied by six guides and two doctors, for a month of working with turtles, boating down the Amazon and climbing to 4,800m.

Mrs Everard added: "It is an amazing thing to have come out of it all. There will be people in wheelchairs as well.

"Daniel has always loved the outdoors, nature, sports and challenging himself and he is a great team player.

"I think it is a fantastic opportunity. I don't think he can believe it. He has missed so many trips with school because of his epilepsy."

Mr Everard has to raise £750 for JoLt before he sets off on his adventure.

To donate, go to www.jolttrust.org.uk/