The family of a 27-year-old man who died from SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) in 1990 are cycling from London to Winchester to Bristol to commemorate what would have been his 60th birthday.

Taking part in the ride, over the weekend of April 29 and 30, will be Alan Pring's sister Kate Fisher, her husband Scott and sons Tom and Ben. 

The cities of London, Winchester and Bristol were all important in Alan’s life. He grew up in Bristol, where he attended the QEH School and represented Bristol and South of England Schools at rugby. 

He then studied law at King’s College and the Bar School in London, gaining a position in Pump Court Chambers before moving to Winchester Chambers in 1989.

Kate said: “Alan’s epilepsy diagnosis was a huge shock. He had always led a full and active life and was determined to live life to the full. He was given medication to control the condition but never warned about the risks of SUDEP. Alan had two further seizures before suffering a fatal seizure in his sleep on December 4, 1990.”

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Following Alan’s death, his partner Jane Hanna spoke on BBCs Watchdog programme. 
Subsequently, Jane, Alan’s mother Sheila and three other mothers who had lost children to SUDEP began a campaign for more research into epilepsy-related deaths. Other people began to come forward with similar stories and the charity Epilepsy Bereaved, now known as SUDEP Action, was started in 1995, in Winchester. Jane is now the charity’s chief executive.

At the time of Alan’s death, SUDEP was barely recognised, apart from a handful of researchers. 

In 2022, establishing the causes and contributing factors of epilepsy-related deaths, including SUDEP, was identified as the number one priority for all future epilepsy research by the UK Epilepsy Priority Setting Partnership (PSP). 

Jane said: “SUDEP Action began from five women sitting around a table, wanting answers, over two decades ago. Our community of families and research champions have taken a subject that was taboo and filled a vacuum with research evidence and innovation of services to help families and the NHS.”

May 8 would have been Alan’s 60th birthday and on the back of the cycle ride, a garden party will be held on that date in Bristol in Alan’s name.