Our Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors have a personal connection to encephalitis and use their voice and visibility to raise awareness of the condition and the work the Encephalitis Society.

Alecia Emerson-Thomas

Alecia is a former police officer, media risk personality and security risk consultant whose son fell ill with encephalitis as a three year-old Read more

Aled Davies

Aled is a Welsh international rugby player who currently plays for Saracens Rugby Club Read more

Aliki Chrysochou

Soprano singer Aliki inspired us with her amazing recovery from encephalitis and her journey to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent Read more

Charlotte Leeming

Charlotte is a presenter and reporter with BBC Look North whose daughter was affected by encephalitis Read more

Karen Tighe

Karen is an award-winning sports broadcaster and presenter from Australia who became a supporter of the Encephalitis Society after falling ill in March 2020. Read more

Mathew Bose

Actor Mathew became an Ambassador in 2007 after a close friend of his was affected by Herpes Simplex Encephalitis. Read more

Mike Day

Mike is an Emmy nominated director, producer and cinematographer from Scotland Read more

Rebecca Adlington

Rebecca came to prominence at the Beijing Olympics when she won two gold medals in the swimming pool and later became an Ambassador as her sister, Laura, fell ill with encephalitis in 2005 Read more

Simon Hattenstone

Simon is a Features Writer with The Guardian newspaper and who has authored a book about his personal experiences of encephalitis as a boy Read more

Susannah Cahalan

Susannah is a New York journalist and the best-selling author of Brain on Fire which recounts her battle with Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Read more

Latest

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In-person support groups

We run in-person support groups across the UK and in Ireland. Hosted by our Support Volunteers in the local area, this is an opportunity to meet like-minded people in an informal and relaxed setting.
International Research Seed Funding

Researchers in low to middle income countries are being invited to apply for seed funding from the Encephalitis Society. Deadline 9 September 2022!
Twitter Art Exhibit: An Interview with Susannah Cahalan

Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire, chats to Mathew Bose about the Twitter Art Exhibit and how the drawing of a clock helped a doctor diagnose her with autoimmune encephalitis

NMDAR antibody encephalitis

NMDAR antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disease that causes psychiatric features, confusion, memory loss and seizures followed by a movement disorder, loss of consciousness and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. Usually, it begins with ‘flu-like’ symptoms followed by neurological deterioration, which may include personality and behavioural changes, seizures, weakness and difficulties in communication.
What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.
Guidelines for recovery

No two people with encephalitis have the same outcomes. People recover at different paces. Recovery can be helped by having lots of rest, good nutrition, helpful social network and support from professionals.
Limbic encephalitis

The term ‘limbic encephalitis’ (LE) describes the condition when limbic areas of the brain are inflamed (swollen) and consequently not functioning properly. Most forms of LE fall into two main categories: infectious encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis.
West Nile encephalitis

West Nile encephalitis is a type of infectious encephalitis caused by West Nile virus. People usually become infected after being bitten by a mosquito, which has fed on an infected bird.
Death from encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition and unfortunately, despite improvements in specific and more supportive treatments such as excellent intensive care management, encephalitis still has a high mortality (death) rate.
Encephalitis:after-effects, recovery and rehabilitation

This booklet provides key information about the type of issues that people may have after encephalitis, why rehabilitation/support from professionals and families are important and what options for self-help are available.
Emotional and behavioural changes

Following encephalitis, some people may experience emotional and behavioural changes including low mood, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, frustration, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, and/or poor emotional regulation.
Get support

Our Support Service is here to help you with any questions about encephalitis, recovery and rehabilitation or emotional support.