Story
Hi, this is Evelyn and one of her best friends, Elsi. We are walking the entirety of the South Downs Way (approx 100 miles) for Encephalitis International. We plan to split the walk between 3 weekends, camping along the way.
In June 2025, Austin, one of my best friends, was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. One day we were climbing together at a competition, then the next day he was on life support. It didn't really make any sense to me, and to be honest it still doesn't. When you see someone that you love suffering it makes you want to do anything to help. For me this has made me even more interested in the intersection of neuroscience and immunology because I don't want anyone to experience what Austin and many others are going through. It's not just the person that develops encephalitis that is affected, it's also all their family and friends. I know that I can't get in a lab right now to try to work out why the immune system suddenly no longer recognises the brain as a 'friend'. But I think that the next best thing is raising awareness of such a life-threatening condition that could affect anyone at any moment. This can be done by supporting the expert researchers around the world that do have access to those resources, however they need our help. By raising donations for encephalitis international, we're providing funding for the scientists and also supporting the community of those affected by the disease.
Our Plan:
As mentioned earlier, we are splitting the walk between 3 weekends meaning a third of the walk will be done at a time.
Day 1 (11th July): Beachy Head to Southease - 15 miles
Camping near Southease
Day 2 (12th July): Southease to Botolphs - 20 miles
Day 3: Botolphs to Amberly - 13 miles
Camping near Amberly
Day 4: Amberly to South Harting - 19 miles
Day 5: South Harting to Buriton - 15 miles
Camping near Buriton
Day 6: Buriton Winchester - 24 miles
Worldwide, three people are diagnosed with encephalitis (brain inflammation) every minute. Caused by infection or autoimmune diseases, it can affect anyone. It is an acutely serious condition with high mortality rates, leaving many who do survive with an acquired brain injury - potentially affecting them physically and/or affecting their memory, thinking and personality for the rest of their lives.
Encephalitis International's mission is rebuilding futures of those affected: saving lives, accelerating awareness and driving research.
For more information check out Encephalitis International: