A MAN who is terrified of heights is facing his fear to raise awareness of the illness that killed his brother.

Michael King is doing a skydive in memory of his brother, Anthony, who died 18 months ago, aged 22, after an epileptic fit.

Mr King, 26, who went on a plane for the first time last year, is planning to jump out of the aircraft at 10,000 feet, strapped to an experienced skydiver. He said: "I'm petrified of heights. But if I do something completely mad, people will think about why I'm doing it.

"I know exactly what Anthony would think, he'd say I was off my head." Mr King, whose 21-year-old sister, Joanne, also has epilepsy, said people were shocked when they found out the illness can be fatal. Anthony, who lived with his mum and sister, died at home during the night.

Mr King, of Hillside Drive, Pontypool, said the family were in a state of shock.

He said: "I miss him a hell of a lot. It's weird - we're trying to get back to normality, even though things aren't normal."

His wife and two children have been a huge comfort and have kept him busy.

He said: "My three-year-old son is the image of him." When he informed Epilepsy Bereaved he would be jumping out of a plane to raise money they warned him it was a big undertaking.

But Mr King had set his heart on doing a skydive, which will take place in Devon on November 5.

Mr King said although he will be terrified, he is determined to do it. He said: "I'm going to close my eyes." To sponsor Mr King ring him on 07908 389801.