One man, two wheels, two degree courses & 50 European cities

Clocking up 31,000 kilometres cycling through 50 European cities would be a daunting prospect for most, but this is only part of the charity challenge that Steven Primrose-Smith has set himself.

Steven, 40, a full-time student with The Open University and University of Wales will also be combining this physical feat at the same time as studying for a BSc in Maths and another in Physical Science.

"I've wondered for a while now whether it would be possible to combine my love of cycling with the Open University courses I'm doing," said Steven.

"I'm hoping to visit by bike every European capital city whilst studying via netbook for a couple of degrees. Whether or not this is really possible, I think it'll be an interesting experiment."

And even more incredibly, Steven is doing this less than two years after a brain haemorrhage caused by high blood pressure.

"I nearly died"

"In May 2009 I very nearly died as a result of a high blood pressure induced brain haemorrhage. At the time I was in training for a cycle ride from the Isle of Man to Spain, and began feeling queasy and had blurry vision. I underwent some tests, and they discovered I'd had three brain bleeds as a result of high blood pressure. My blood pressure was found to be 210/130. I had no idea I had the condition."

"That's why my primary charity for this trip is the Blood Pressure UK and I intend to promote the ride, my website and the Blood Pressure UK wherever I go."

Steven is now fighting fit and takes daily blood pressure lower medicines to keep his blood pressure under control.

He expects his challenge to take up to three years, from March 2011 until late 2013, by which time he will have clocked up many thousands of miles and will have completed his degree courses. It will be a continuous loop, but there will be breaks for exams and residential courses.

Steven, who will start his challenge from his home on the Isle of Man on 31 March 2011, said: "The only transport I intend to use on the trip apart from my bike is an occasional ferry, to and from Scandinavia, a hop from southern Italy to Greece and, obviously, to each of the islands."

"Massive adventure"

"It seems like a massive adventure, but when you start breaking it down day-by-day it's not that big a deal," said Steven.

"This life is short, and it can be snatched away at any given moment. Whatever it is you want to do, just do it. Don't hang around. In other words, literally or metaphorically, get on your bike!"

Blood Pressure UK say "We were all bowled over when Steven first approached us with this incredible idea to raise vital funds for our charity. We wish him all the very best of luck and will be behind him every kilometre of the way - in spirit at least! - and urge everyone to give whatever they can to support his inspirational endeavour." 

How to sponsor Steven

You can sponsor Steven by making a simple donation through his Justgiving page. To find out more about his amazing challenge, during which he is primarily raising funds for the Blood Pressure Association, along with Action for Animals and OUSET, visit his unicycle50 website
We would also love to hear from any companies or organisations that could offer corporate support.