A man whose family has been touched by a potentially fatal brain condition has raised more than £2,000 for a charity that helps sufferers of the illness.

Fun runners - some of the delighted fundraisers Picture: ANNA LUKALA

Howard Sellick, 36, of Kents Hill Rd, Benfleet, was inspired to take part in a fun run with friends and family members after his mother-in-law, 60-year-old Nicola Pomphrett was diagnosed with encephalitis.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain which is usually a very rare consequence of a viral infection.

Mr Sellick and 17 others, including his brothers Simon and Andrew and sister Ruth Soane, ran the Bluebell Five fun run at Little Havens in Thundersley.

He said: "It's an illness that not many people understand."

Published Thursday August 26, 2004