Brain injury victim strives towards £40k fundraising target

When James Pratt was 24 in 2002, he fell seriously ill, with symptoms including hallucinations and a high temperature and, after he suffered two falls and a violent seizure, he was at first told he had epilepsy.

But after his condition deteriorated further his mother, a nurse, took him to an out-of-hours GP, which lead to him having a lumbar puncture to his spine to diagnose the condition.

Speaking to the Courier previously, Mr Pratt said: “I have been to some incredibly dark places. Even though the virus has been cleared, I am still affected by my experience and often suffer with bouts of depression, memory and cognitive problems which have a huge impact on my daily life.”

Since then he has raised £22,000 for the Encephalitis Society and is hoping to have raised £40,000 by the end of his 40th year in 2018.

For his next fundraising drive, James has joined forces with Whitnash mayor Simon Button, whose two chosen charities for the year are the Encephalitis Society and Rufus Friends Fund, which provides grants to low-income families in Warwickshire who have a member with learning difficulties, allowing them to benefit from a break, holiday or trip.

The quiz, taking place at Bishops Tachbrook Sports and Social Club, will be raising funds for both these charities. It starts at 8pm and entry costs £10 per team of six or £2.50 per person. There will also be a raffle on the night.

James has received support from the club for a number of years and is grateful to managers Tony Anderson and Karen Capethorn.

Anyone who would like to contribute to James’ fundraising but is unable to make it to the quiz can donate online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/encephalitishelp

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused either by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain in error.

To find out more about the condition and the Encephalitis Society, visit www.encephalitis.info