Bea, an adored daughter, sister and friend, put up an incredibly brave and tenacious fight against her encephalitis and associated epilepsy between April 2022 and June 2023, the cause of which is still unknown. The diagnosis was completely unexpected and life-changing for an otherwise healthy and extremely happy young adult.

In her own words written in February, this is how Bea described her experience:  “I’m not sure about anyone else, but I had never heard of the word or meaning of encephalitis at all before I had a first hand experience with this disease. For me, I was admitted to hospital on the 8th of April 2022 and woke up from a coma 6-8 weeks later with no knowledge of a significant period of my life, including my ski season which I had been on when I fell ill, something I had wanted to do my whole life. I didn’t really know where I was, who I was and so on. After 8 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation in both France and England, I returned home on the 9th of December. I feel incredibly lucky to have been back with my family just before Christmas. Throughout my time in hospital I had chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, pneumonia and pretty much everything else that is a byproduct of a brain disease. My parents and friends have had to fill me in mostly on what happened, but luckily for me my memory is improving every day. I know myself and my family will never forget the kindness shown to all during such a traumatic time. Without the doctors, nurses and my family’s and friends' love, compassion and support, I do not know where I would be today. Also, I want to massively raise awareness for this hugely important yet under-discussed illness.”

In loving memory of Bea, this page is raising funds for The Encephalitis Society, whose mission is to increase global awareness of encephalitis, save lives and build better futures. Worldwide, a person is diagnosed with encephalitis (brain inflammation) every minute. Caused by infection or by autoimmune diseases, encephalitis strikes children and adults alike with no respect for gender or ethnicity. It is an acutely serious condition with high mortality rates, leaving many who survive with an acquired brain injury affecting their memory, thinking and personality for the rest of their lives.

Bea was loyal and loving, kind and funny, and a treasured part of the lives of those close to her. Her memory will live on in the courage and strength she showed throughout her illness and remarkable recovery. We know Bea would be enormously grateful for the time taken to visit this page and for any donations received. Thank you.