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Epileptic seizures have cost Neil Ryley nearly everything.

The 52-year-old former plumber started suffering from seizures more than a decade ago and said the neurological condition has led to him losing his job, his house and nearly losing his wife. The two separated for a time but have since come back together.

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“It was hard,” he said. “It was really, really hard. When this happened, I had a brand new house, I was working as a plumber, I was in the union and my life was going good. I was doing well.”

Ryley’s seizures are also at the centre of legal action against him.

He’s charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest related to an incident at his home in 2016. He said he was suffering from a seizure at the time when his wife tried to call for an ambulance.

Two police officers arrived instead.

The officers went into Ryley’s room to talk to him because he had been screaming out the window prior to their arrival. The three spoke but as the officers turned to leave, Ryley attempted to close the door behind them.