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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
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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Full Story Archive

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

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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HSV Encephalitis Lived Experience - Chris' Story

I was rushed into hospital in May 2021 after losing consciousness and spent 2 days in intensive care. The hospital struggled to identify the problem, misdiagnosing my condition twice. I was eventually diagnosed with HSV encephalitis on day 10 of my admission. Following treatment I was discharged after 5 weeks with limited knowledge of what had happened to me or what to expect and almost no support. It’s been a long and often traumatic 3 years since. However, I am now pleased to say that I have made a good recovery and have minimal physical residual symptoms.

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Meningoencephalitis Lived Experience - Amy's Story

The following weeks were a blur for me and were incredibly stressful for my family and my husband as doctors struggled to put a label on what was happening to me. Various diagnoses were ruled out and meningoencephalitis was eventually established. Eventually a specialist MRI interpretation diagnosed listeriosis and it was suggested that having a low immune system postpartum may have contributed to the severity of my illness. During this time I was in and out of consciousness, I suffered tremors, headaches, hallucinations and incredibly vivid dreams.

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HSV Encephalitis Lived Experience - Daniel's Story

Although I was very young and don’t remember actually having encephalitis, having navigated through life for 31 years following it, I know I have had it. It is a part of me. It’s with me wherever I go, but it doesn’t define me or who I am. I consider myself, unique. I have always been “different” from others. Always outlandish, always the first to speak and last to stop. As a survivor, I use the term survivor loosely because frankly, no one survives encephalitis as the after-effects never go away, but, as someone who has, through trial and error, through embarrassment, through humiliation, through anger and unadulterated hatred learned to live, cope and succumb to the effects of encephalitis, I am proud not only of my achievements, not only for having some incredible people in my life, but proud to have been able to be simply, me.

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Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) Lived Experience - Ella's Story

My mum took me up to the hospital where they put me on a drip assuming it was just a really nasty bug, but I wasn’t getting better. Eventually, the doctors were able to diagnose me with autoimmune meningitis. I was flown in the royal flying doctors from my small town to Perth where I was admitted to a Children’s Hospital. I had a lumber puncture - which is a needle in your spine that draws fluid out that gets sent off for testing, and I was then diagnosed with Encephalitis. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

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Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience - Ana and Jesus' Story

I have been a volunteer with Encephalitis International ever since, sharing our story and information about encephalitis whenever I have the opportunity. By sharing our story at the My Brain : My Story : My Family conference, I hope to help others feel as understood and reassured as I did two years ago, when I first discovered Encephalitis International.

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Steven's encephalitis story

Unknown Encephalitis Lived Experience - Steven's story of his mum

My journey took an unexpected turn when encephalitis struck my family, taking away my beloved mum. It was a devastating blow that changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. At the same time, I was learning my craft as a teacher, trying to support my students and navigate the complexities of the classroom, all while the world was in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience — Matt's Story

Those two weeks were a blur I know only through stories from my family and doctors. I was tested for serious illnesses like EEE, West Nile, and Zika, all of which came back negative. Then things got even more frightening—I began losing vision and experiencing double vision, though I don’t remember this myself. My body was scanned for cancer, but thankfully, that came back clear too.

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Julian shares his experience of viral encephalitis

Viral Encephalitis Lived Experience — Julian's Story

During the following 2 weeks, the doctors had spirited debates about the nature of my illness. At first, it was whether I had brain leukaemia or viral encephalitis. Then, when the evidence ruled out leukaemia, it was which type of viral encephalitis; they never found out, with all the tests coming back inconclusive. All the same, there were no known treatments for most types of viral encephalitis. I was given herpes antivirals as a Hail Mary. All anyone could do was wait and see. My body and my brain were the deciding factors now.

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Kellie and her daughter, Arwen, who was diagnosed with autoimmune encephaltis

Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience — Kellie's Story

In late December 2022, Kellie's world was turned upside down when Arwen became seriously unwell. She was diagnosed in early January 2023 with Autoimmune Encephalitis, and thanks to the quick thinking of her paediatrician, she was transferred to a specialist hospital for the correct treatment.

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VZV Encephalitis Lived Experience — Tim H's Story

Tim, a father of two young children, felt like he was suffering from flu after a short holiday with his family. He began to feel worse and started to hallucinate. The doctors diagnosed him VZV encephalitis. Here he shares his story.

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Viral Encephalitis Lived Experience — Graham and Sandra's story

During the My Brain: My Story event at the Liverpool Medical Institution, Graham delivers a presentation on the effects of viral encephalitis on him and his wife Sandra 22 years ago and how their family continue to manage its outcomes together.

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Autoimmune Encephalitis Lived Experience — Diane's Story

Diane had autoimmune encephalitis in 2018, she was 15; during the following months she was 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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Lived Experience of Encephalitis — Eduarda's Story

"After the three days I only got worse, so my mum took me to the hospital again. She later told me that on the way to the hospital I started saying things that didn’t make sense. I asked her several times where we were going and why. Within one hour of arriving at hospital, I had two seizures and was sent to the ICU. I don’t have any memory of this, as a matter of fact, I don’t have any memory of most of 2022..."

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Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis Lived Experience — Jim's Story

Jim's career included 20+ years with the Port Authority of NY & NJ; however, as a result of his herpes simplex virus encephalitis diagnosis, he retired last February.

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John's encephalitis story

Viral Meningoencephalitis Lived Experience - John's Story

Before developing encephalitis, John worked as principal teacher in a large school for children with complex learning needs in the center of Dublin. He was actively involved both locally and nationally on Education Boards and worked part-time in three of the teacher training colleges. He has been playing piano since he was a child and is convinced that his passion for music was a fundamental part of his recovery.

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Henry

Encephalitis and Bereavement Shared by Parents, Louise and Richard — Henry's Story

Henry's parents, Louise and Richard, share the trauma they endured when Henry died. Henry spent one week in hospital after his parents recognized that something wasn't right. After many tests, and eventually surgery, Henry sadly passed away from encephalitis a few days before his 9th birthday.

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Douglas and his friends

Autoimmune Encephalitis Told by Wife, Gail — Dougie's story

Gail shares her husband, Dougie's, story of autoimmune encephalitis. Gail talks about how Dougie went from being very active - running and playing rugby - to battling through the effects of encephalitis. Dougie sadly passed away in April 2024.

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Tick-Borne Encephalitis Lived Experience — Joe's Story

Joe, who was affected by tick-borne encephalitis when he was travelling in Scotland, talks about his lived experience. He had fever like symptoms when he realized something was wrong.

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Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience — Casey's story

I felt my vision begin to swim and before I knew it, I had passed out. That was the last day I spent at Primary school, and I didn’t know. Everything happened so quickly after that day. I lost the ability to walk, to talk, to eat and do anything else all in quick succession.

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Chloe and her family

Enteroviral Meningoencephalitis Lived Experience — Chloe's Story

Ceinwen's daughter Chloe became unwell with enteroviral meningoencephalitis when she was three-years-old. She has been on the road to recovery for over 11 years. Ceinwen tells her story of encephalitis at the My Brain My Story event in 2023.

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Abi at the rugby pitch

Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience — Abi's Story

Abi is a professional international rugby player for England and Great Britain 7s; competing in the 2021 and 2024 Olympics. In June 2022, she had her first seizure. She was misdiagnosed which led to being sectioned. She was then diagnosed with Anti-NMDAR encephalitis in July 2022. Abi talks about her experience of encephalitis at the My Brain My Story event in 2023.

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Judiel

Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Lived Experience — Judiel's Story

Judiel was a nurse when she was diagnosed with encephalitis at the aged of 25 in 2021. She tells her story as part of the Encephalitis International My Brain and Medicine event 2024.

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Full Event Archive

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

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
View Event
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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Autoimmune Encephalitis - Jonathan and Elle's Story

Jonathan, my husband of 21 years, passed away from health complications following a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis in 2024. How it started My story begins in February 2023 when my husband started acting strangely and the “essential tremor” in his hands seemed to spread to his legs. He’d been diagnosed with an essential tremor a […]

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Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis - Daniel's Story

Daniel sadly passed away after a few years from a diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) encephalitis. This is his story told by daughter, Natalie.   Symptoms and diagnosis In September 2022 my father was showing odd symptoms like confusion and flu-like symptoms. My mother took him to the hospital and after performing several testing […]

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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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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 Amareia

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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