Eden Dora Trust was set up after the founder’s daughter got poorly with Encephalitis and nearly lost her life, luckily, she survived but was left with an Acquired Brain Injury. Before this disaster struck, she'd never heard of Encephalitis, she soon realised it was more common & that anyone can get it at any time from a simple virus. Their families life changed forever on that day.

She didn't want any other family to go through what they went through, scared, alone, lost and confused. Since the charity started they've helped so many families all over the UK with Encephalitis and Acquired Brain Injury, supporting them through diagnosis, education for schools about ABI, rehabilitation, advice, research, awareness raising, workshops, study days and loads more. Now more than ever, they need our help!

I am a clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor at the University of Exeter. My research focuses on understanding the consequences of childhood brain injury, and developing and evaluating interventions to support children who have had a brain injury, and their families. I am also a member of the Eden Dora Trust advisory panel.

The Eden Dora Trust is one of the few places where families feel supported. Whether it’s someone to call when things feel overwhelming, or needing information and resources from the website to help others understand their child’s needs, the Eden Dora Trust is always there. 

Without funds - Eden Dora Trust will not be able to continue supporting the children and families that rely on them.

I am completing this challenge in the hope to make a difference to the families and children who often feel like they are on their own, and who feel exhausted by constantly needing to educate systems that are not set up to meet their needs.

Let’s show them that we care, that we want to help, and let’s raise awareness of childhood Encephalitis so that families and children do not have to work so hard to get their needs met. 

I will be running, cycling, and walking sections of the Southwest coastal path with my dad, Richard Adlam (see his justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-adlam-50-mile-challenge) in the month of May to reach my target of 50 miles.

UPDATE: I enjoyed the challenge so much in May that I will complete 100miles in August* to continue to raise awareness of encephalitis in children and funds to support the vital work of the Eden Dora Trust #100miles4EDT (*originally planned for June but I have had to delay this challenge due to recovering from COVID)