On the 15th March I am running the Liverpool half marathon in memory of my dad ‘big Ste’ to raise money for Encephalitis International Ltd. If you know me, you will know that I hate running and have never been good at it. The most I have ever ran before this was a few 5ks during Covid and slowly getting around on the rugby field on a Saturday.

On Christmas Day 2024, I rushed my dad into A&E and sadly he never came back out. He became seriously ill with Auto-Immune encephalitis, a rare and life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the brain where the immune system mistakenly attacks itself. This gives symptoms like memory loss, seizures, and psychosis among many other things.

Frustratingly, it took a long time for it to be diagnosed. Two comas later, Plasma exchanges and seizure medication to the max meant that nothing was going to save my dad. This was a long, exhausting, and tough seven months. Sadly, my dad passed away on 5th July as a result of this condition.

Watching my dad fight this illness was the hardest thing for my sister and I to go through.

All money raised will go to Encephalitis International Ltd, helping to support patients, families, raise awareness and fund vital research into encephalitis. Any donation, no matter how small, truly means the world to me and my family.

If you would like to learn a bit more about the charity and there amazing work I have attached a link below.

visit www.encephalitis.info or call +44(0)1653 692583

I’m raising money to benefit Encephalitis International Ltd, and any donation will help make an impact. THEIR VISION is a world aware of encephalitis, its consequences and the support available.

THEIR MISSION is to increase global awareness of encephalitis, saving lives and building better futures.

THEIR AIM is to improve the quality of life of all people affected directly and indirectly by encephalitis, by:

1. Providing support and information 2. Raising awareness 3. Promoting and collaborating on research

For more information, visit www.encephalitis.info or call +44(0)1653 692583