One year has past since my Godson Nick sadly passed away age 37 from the lifelong after effects of contracting Encephalitis in his teens.

Nick was a lively, funny and very compassionate youngster, with a wicked mischievous side.  He was a very caring older brother to 2 sisters and my own 3 children, who spent many happy hours, holidays and days out together as children.

At 16  Nick collapsed at school, no one had any idea that he had contracted Encephalitis which left him in a coma for some weeks, when he did finally come round he had to learn how to do many every day things all over again.  In the years to follow Nick was left with crippling migraines, epilepsy, and severe mental health issues which left him unable to lead a normal life and eventually cut his life short.

However, when Nick was well he spent time volunteering for local charities, led an independent life with help from his family and support workers, became a Buddhist and taught Tai Chi and meditation.  Spent time enjoying his young nieces and nephew.  In short Nick with all the difficulties he faced led a fulfilling life surrounded by people who loved him and sorely miss his presence today.

Some years later my own daughter Charlie caught ADEM which left her with mental health issues leading to anorexia, self harm and impaired judgement, which she stills struggles with today.  Unfortunately No one told me at the time that is was a form of  encephalitis and if we had know about the Encephalitis society we  would have been able to help access more support for her and understand how the illness was going to effect her future.

So this challenge is to raise money for the society but more importantly awareness and further research of this disease, it's subsequent after effects and hopefully cure, so that others do not have to go through what Nick and Charlie did without the support they and their families deserve.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.please give what you can to a very worthy cause and look out for me on the 20th October 

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