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five children smiling holding in a group

Family Resilience Day

Family Resilience Event 28-30 May 2026 Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, UK   This is an in-person only event aimed at children (up to 16-year-old) and their families who experienced encephalitis and its aftereffects. It is an opportunity for both children and parents to connect with each other and share experiences in a safe environment. Schedule […]

28 - 30 May 2026
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
View Event
Images of participants in the Great North Run, including Encephalitis International supporters.

Great North Run

The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields. Register your interest for 2026!

13 September 2026
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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My Brain & Medicine Birmingham, England 2026

My Brain & Medicine (MB&M) is an in-person event only. We would love you to join us in Birmingham, England on Friday 9 October 2026. This event is for anyone who wants to listen to the experiences of people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis and learn more about the after-effects. There […]

9 October 2026
The Old Library, Zellig, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AT
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Full Story Archive

This section is intended for use only on the main Stories page.

Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Alice's Story

I was a healthy 27 year old woman who loved paddled boarding and aerial circus prior to being diagnosed with Anti-NMDAR Autoimmune Encephalitis. I was on a weekend away with my mother and partner in England and complained of sore ears. Later that night I took my first seizure and an ambulance was called! My symptoms began suddenly, manifesting with seizures, manic psychotic episodes, hallucinations, agitation and oral facial dyskinesia.

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Tick-Borne Encephalitis Lived Experience - Antti's Story

I got tick-borne encephalitis in autumn 2023, here some memories and insights of the complex journey with the disease. The whole thing started in a Teams meeting with a customer. I suddenly felt quite nauseous and had to close the meeting early, started to vomit and horrible headache begun. Luckily, I was at home and my wife came soon to check my situation. Later, I heard that she took me to an emergency unit at the University center hospital next day when my fever raised up to 41 ˚C – I don’t have any clear memories of that.

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Anti-GAD Encephalitis Lived Experience - Alison's Story

Alison shares her experience of Anti-GAD encephalitis and how she went on to raise funds through her gym, Life’s Peachy’ Fitness for Encephalitis International. I started falling sick in April 2024 after my husband came home from a work trip with stomach bug. He was better within 24-48 hours while I got progressively more unwell. I […]

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Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience - Diane's Story

Diane had auto-immune encephalitis in 2018, when she was 15 which encompassed months in a semi-coma state where she couldn’t talk, walk, eat or see due to complete vision loss from high intracranial pressure.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Vickie's Story

I don’t remember anything. My first memory is of me being told that I couldn’t go back to work, I was very ill, and those of you who have had it remember what that feels like. I was apparently in an induced coma, had a lumber puncture, seizures, nearly died… and I was lucky to be speaking and as recovered as I could be.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Roz's Story

Roz, who was affected twice by anti NMDAR encephalitis while completing her secondary education, shares her story with us. The video was filmed as part of our My Brain and Me Project.

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Meningoencephalitis Lived Experience - Kristen's Story

In May of 2023 I started with a very high fever. I passed it off as normal; as I got sick very often, just had pneumonia a month prior. I work with young children which I believe weakened my immune system over the years. I’d only travelled out of the country 8 months ago but was otherwise fine. After day 2, the fever wasn't subsiding and came out in a red rash in my extremities, prompting me to go to a doctor.

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Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis - Ismael's story, told by wife, Rosa

For me, as his wife, has been a challenge to adapt the new family dynamics with the illness. My advice to all of us who have a family member with encephalitis is that as primary caregivers we take care of our physical and emotional health. In my case, I had to attend psychotherapy and take medication for depression and anxiety.

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West Nile Virus Lived Experience - Jim's Story

I went on holiday to Goa in India in March 2024 . I remember getting a couple of mosquito bites but they don't usually affect me, so thought no more of it. Upon return to the UK, after a couple of days I started to feel unwell, after another couple of days it got much worse and I researched the symptoms and thought it may have been Malaria. 6 days after returning from holiday I called 111 and as a result was taken into hospital in Southampton.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Matt's Story

Matt, an architect from South Africa, was diagnosed with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis in 2019 while living in Germany. His story was filmed as part of the My Brain and Medicine event on 25th April 2022.

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Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6) Encephalitis Lived Experience - Lizzie's Story

Before my brain decided to hit the eject button on my memories, I had a life that made sense. I ran an animal rescue that I had started years before. It was busy and, at times, chaotic. I had my routines - work and home ones. I knew what I was doing (most of the time). I could tell you where I left my keys. I could tell you who the actor on the screen was and his entire filmography. My memory was actually my superpower.

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Viral Encephalitis Lived Experience - Rochelle's Story

Dr Rochelle Smith had to learn to read and speak again after falling ill with viral encephalitis in 2016. She would go on to graduate with a degree in medicine and a top award from the University of the West Indies

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Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience - Marleigh's Story

Marleigh was just three years old when she started showing symptoms of Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis. However it would take nearly a year, a brain injury and many life threatening status epilepticus seizures before this diagnosis was confirmed.

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Chikungunya Lived Experience - Parthasarathy's story told by his father, Venkatesh

Parthasarathy's story of chikungunya encephalitis told by his father, Venkatesh. Interviewed by Dr.Uddhav Kinhal from Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, India (video below). This was filmed to form part of Encephalitis International's 'Climate change, infectious diseases and encephalitis' Campaign 2025.

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West Nile Virus Encephalitis Lived Experience - Sue Ann

Sue Ann who was diagnosed with West Nile Virus encephalitis in 2023. In this special encephalitis podcast episode, she shares her lived experience story with our Chief Medical Writer, Prav.

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Japanese Encephalitis Lived Experience - Kelly's Story

Kelly, from Canada, shares her story of Japanese encephalitis which acquired while travelling. Her story formed part of the Encephalitis International Vaccine-preventable encephalitis awareness campaign in 2024.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Megan's Story

It started with neurological symptoms such as difficulty processing information (forgetting song lyrics and inability to write emails) as well as visual symptoms (losing colours and pixelated vision) and paranoia. I also could not feel emotions or pain. After admission to the hospital, these symptoms worsened (inability to understand or process anything, couldn’t eat or use bathroom). Things then progressed to constant seizures.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Tina's Story

Did you ever think it was possible that you could fall pregnant and then lose your mind? Lose your mind to the extent that even to this day I still don’t remember ever being pregnant, I don’t remember my pregnancy, my growing bump, my feelings or even going through the life changing experience of giving birth.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Camila's Story (English and Spanish)

When I first learned about anti-NMDAR encephalitis, it felt like I was destined to become a diagnosis, as if my life had already been defined by a disease. But it wasn't until I began fighting it back it that my life truly began a whole new journey.

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Brain Stem Encephalitis Lived Experience - Siddiqa's Story

I very nearly lost my life to encephalitis. An illness I had never heard of, had put me in a coma on a life support machine for weeks and hospital for months.  Those months in hospital and the months after are still a big haze. That was the summer of 1995 and one I won’t forget.  There was hardly any or very little awareness of encephalitis, even doctors at the hospital had difficulty in diagnosing why I was so gravely ill in a coma.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Tom's Story

May of 2022 I once again got COVID-19 but this time was mild, or so I thought. Slowly my fatigue got much worse and my speech started to be hard. Processing was becoming harder and I was having headaches and crazy nightmares that I would wake up sweating, confused and scared. I was attending speech therapy and was a regular at my primary and neurologist. Everyone close to me could see me getting worse.

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Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience - Bianca's Story

Out of fear, I wrote a letter to my daughter, who was almost 6 years old at the time. I wrote down everything she needs to know in order to be able to grow up self-loving and self-confident, in case I can't always be with her. My letter became a children's book. I have completely turned my life upside down. My everyday life is no longer the same (I often rest, divide the week differently and strengthen children in daycare centers and elementary schools.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience - Tahla's Story

Tahla had autoimmune, Anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis when she was 15. She spent 6 months in hospital, losing her ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, as well as experiencing psychosis and aggression.

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HSV Encephalitis Lived Experience - Amanda's Story

The first couple of months at home were a period of extreme tiredness and I slept many hours at night and also had a great deal of rest time during the day. One of the difficulties besides memory was my loss of language, even English. I have learned many words again but have not been brave enough to start my foreign language classes. The difficulty speaking was obvious when I was taken down to visit my colleagues at my workplace. I found it very difficult to speak clearly and remember many everyday spoken words.

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Full Event Archive

This section is intended for use only on the main Events page.

five children smiling holding in a group

Family Resilience Day

Family Resilience Event 28-30 May 2026 Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, UK   This is an in-person only event aimed at children (up to 16-year-old) and their families who experienced encephalitis and its aftereffects. It is an opportunity for both children and parents to connect with each other and share experiences in a safe environment. Schedule […]

28 - 30 May 2026
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
View Event
Images of participants in the Great North Run, including Encephalitis International supporters.

Great North Run

The AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields. Register your interest for 2026!

13 September 2026
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
View Event

My Brain & Medicine Birmingham, England 2026

My Brain & Medicine (MB&M) is an in-person event only. We would love you to join us in Birmingham, England on Friday 9 October 2026. This event is for anyone who wants to listen to the experiences of people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis and learn more about the after-effects. There […]

9 October 2026
The Old Library, Zellig, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AT
View Event

Encephalitis 2026 - Registration

7th and 8th December 2026 Royal College of Physicians (RCP), London and virtually (Please note the attendance is both in-person and virtual. Those who register will be able to watch the Conference sessions on demand for 60 days after the event) Registrations are now open! (in-person and virtual tickets are available) Book your tickets here   […]

7 - 8 December 2026
Hybrid
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Ultra Challenge events - logo and participants.

Ultra Challenge - Walk, Jog, or Run

Whether along stunning coastlines, or trails through wonderful countryside, your Ultra Challenge® will be unforgettable. Walk, jog or run - take on a 10km, 25km, 50km 75km or even a 100km Ultra Challenge.

Various Dates / Locations, United Kingdom
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Image of challenge participants supporting Encephalitis International around the UK.

UK Challenges - Run, Tough Mudder, Bungee

Want to run your first 5k? Or how about the challenge of a marathon or obstacle race? There are plenty of challenge options in the UK to support us!

Various Dates / Locations, United Kingdom
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Image of challenge participants supporting Encephalitis International around the world.

Global Running Challenges

Sight-seeing and running combine brilliantly for these global challenge events. Run through must-see cities and past iconic landmarks whilst supporting Encephalitis International!

Various Dates / Locations, Worldwide
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Cycling challenge participants.

Cycling Challenges

From short cycles to epic multi-day international rides, there is a huge range of cycling challenges to choose from. Get on your bike and support Encephalitis International!

Various Dates / Locations, Europe
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Images of participants and the logos for the SuperHalfs Series.

SuperHalfs Series

The SuperHalfs Series brings together six epic destination half marathons which runners complete to secure their SuperMedal and a place in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame. The events take place in Berlin, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Prague and Valencia. What an awesome challenge to take on in support of Encephalitis International!

Various Dates / Locations, Europe
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London Marathon

We have been unsuccessful in receiving a London marathon charity ballot place for 2027. The public ballot for 2027 is now open, you can apply for your own place here: Enter the ballot | London Marathon Events   The London Marathon is one of the world’s biggest marathon, with 55,000 runners taking on the route […]

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Story Teasers

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Autoimmune Encephalitis - Elise's Story

In the last couple of days of our trip, I couldn't really understand what he was saying to me, and I just thought this was my hearing after having blocked sinuses, and because we were in a foreign country and not really talking to anyone else, I didn't know that it was actually everyone that I couldn't understand; not just him. All I wanted to do was rest and sleep, and I was getting very angry with myself that whatever was said to me had to be repeated multiple times. I remember watching kids films before bed and being very entertained by them, like a 4-year-old would be. I did not feel in my right mind.

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Autoimmune Encephalitis - Stuart's Story

When I was introduced to my partner (of 30 years) I initially had no clue of who they were. Over the next two weeks I was able to get to a point where I would return home and slowly try and put the bits of my life back together. Bit by bit and very slowly my world became a little larger than feeling calm, with a sense of not worrying about things I had forgotten and focusing on those things I had control over.

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Anti-NMDAR Autoimmune Encephalitis - Zoe's Story

Zoe was once a bubbly, playful little girl — full of laughter, curiosity, and light. Then, almost without warning, that light began to flicker. She stopped sleeping. She cried without reason. The words she had learned disappeared. The tiny feet that once ran freely could no longer carry her. The sparkle in her eyes slowly faded.

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Dr Ava Easton MBE

Chief Executive, Encephalitis International

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Phillippa Chapman

Deputy Chief Executive

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Alina Ellerington

Alina Ellerington

Director of Services

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Calum Goodwin

Director of Partnerships and Fundraising

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Caroline Clark

Finance Manager

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Emma Collins

Patient and Public Involvement Manager

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Julie Welburn

Admin and Events Manager

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Jo Brooke

Trusts and Foundation Manager

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Poonam Mistry

Data Insights and CRM Manager

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Prav Prathapan

Prav Prathapan

Senior Medical Writer

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Vicky Burgess

Fundraising and Finance Admin Manager

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Alex Amaria

Digital Outreach and Volunteer Manager

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Ally Phillips

Personal Assistant to the CEO

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Anna Heister

Helpline & Support Manager

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Leisa Sherry

Graphic Designer

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