A 23-year-old man who suffers from a form of fetal alcohol syndrome has taken on a very personal challenge.

On Monday afternoon, Tom Wilkinson set off from Ottawa on a two-month walk to Windsor to raise money and awareness for the syndrome that has afflicted him since birth.

"My goal is to open a group home for these kids and get them some treatment," he says.

Wilkinson was taken from his birth family at the age of three.

"I'm very proud of him," says his adopted mother, Jill Dockerill. "He's worked very hard."

Wilkinson hopes to raise $1 million and plans to visit more than 40 breweries, distilleries and wineries along the way, looking for donations.

Dick Stewart of Ottawa's People Services, was among the city officials to see Wilkinson off. He says he's surprised that despite all that is known about the syndrome, women continue to drink alcohol while pregnant.

"The city of Ottawa wants to support any activity which will bring attention to this," he says.