Central London was the setting for our 2017 Annual Members Meeting which welcomed around supporters of the Society on Saturday, September 30.

And what a wonderful day it was with the early feedback saying it was one of our most enjoyable days yet - with great speakers, a great venue and a great programme.

One attendee said: 

The whole day was excellent. Informative, touching, inspiring. We met some simply awesome people with such positive and inspirational outlooks on life.

And our chair, Tim Spring, added:

I think this was the best Annual Members' Meeting yet and congratulations to our wonderful Society team for all the sterling work to make it happen.

Highlights from the day were many, including Professor Tom Solomon and his Roald Dahl's Marvellous Medicine. Fresh from a spell at the Edinburgh Festival and heavy on audience participation, Professor Solomon had children and adults eating out of his palm as he spoke about his connection with the world famous children's author.

Click on the image below to see more photographs

Later on, we were treated to talks from survivors Paul Wicks and Kim Ingleby. Paul spoke movingly and humourously about his journey after encephalitis, a journey which has seen him return to university and become a fantastic photographer. Life coach Kim, meanwhile, spoke about "postivity in the face of adversity" and also earned resounding applause from the gathered audience.

The evening finished with our chance to say thank you to those supporters who have made a difference to the Society - either through fundraising or the medical or health support they gave to members of the Society.

Winners included:

Fundraising Awards

Junior Fundraiser - Hope Bland

Junior Fundraiser - Max Snigorski

Challenge Fundraiser - Robbie Cowbury

Family Fundaiser - The Trickett Family

Innovative Fundraiser - Miriam Andrews

Long-Standing Supporter - Jacqueline Gannon

Community Fundraiser - Jordana King

Corporate Partnership Award

Gordon Baxter, photographer

Exceptional Service Awards

Dr Isabel Leite, Honorary Consultant Neurologist - John Radcliffe Hospital

Jackie Lawson, Occupational Therapist - Poole Community Health Clinic

Sue Lloyd - Walsall County Adult Social Services

Faye Tulley - Care Outlook