A CYCLIST is set to start an epic 31,000km journey to every capital city in Europe, as well as his hometown of Blackburn, for charity.

Steven Primrose-Smith, 40, will begin his amazing three-year-long ride next week taking in all 50 cities.

Just two years ago he suffered a brain haemorrhage and so he is now completing the challenge to raise funds for the Blood Pressure Association.

He said that as well as cycling through Europe every day he also plans to study for two Open University degree courses at the same time.

Steven said the challenge will allow him to continue his studies, combined with his love for cycling.

He said: “I realised I had a lot of spare time while studying and thought it was the perfect chance to go on a real adventure.

“It will be a great challenge but I am really looking forward to it.”

Steven is a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn.

He was working as a software engineer but is now studying for both a mathematics and physical science degree at the Open University.

His first year of the challenge, starting on Thursday in the Isle of Man, will see him take in the western Europe cities including London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin.

In year two he will complete southern Europe, including Rome, Athens and Belgrade.

And in the final year he will visit eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

He is planning to mostly camp along the way and is hoping he will receive support from other Open University students along the way.

He said he wanted to use the ride to raise the profile of the Blood Pressure Association.

He said: “I found myself in intensive care having suffered a brain haemorrhage because of high blood pressure.

“By not dealing with the problem when I first knew about it, not only had I come very close to death but I now also had kidneys that were only functioning at 50 per cent.”

For more information visit www.unicycle50.com.