Registered UK charity · 1152507
Hope, help & healing for children with encephalitis.
Encephalitis can change a child's life overnight. We're here from the first frightening days onward — with plain-language guidance, expert resources and a community of families who truly understand.
Trusted by hundreds of UK families
of funds direct to families
Since
2014
A family's words
Encephalitis is still so unheard of by so many people, yet it is just as life threatening as, if not more than, meningitis. The support from people who have been there is genuinely invaluable — it's not a faceless charity, you know their knowledge is real.
— An Eden Dora Trust family
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of the brain — often life-changing, always overwhelming.
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, most often caused by an infection or an autoimmune reaction. In children it can appear as fever, confusion, seizures or a sudden change in behaviour — and be mistaken for other illnesses.
Early treatment matters. So does long-term support: many children live with cognitive, emotional, behavioural or physical effects that continue long after hospital.
Read our encephalitis guideWhat we do
Three ways we help families rebuild.
Support families
Plain-language information, community and one-to-one signposting for parents and carers from the moment of diagnosis onward.
Educate professionals
Study days, workshops and booklets for clinicians, teachers and SENCOs — so more children get the right help sooner.
Raise awareness
Campaigns, events and stories that put childhood encephalitis and acquired brain injury on the map for the public.
Get involved
Every action changes a life.
Donate
Fund resources, family support and awareness campaigns. Every pound goes further with Gift Aid.
Donate nowFundraise
Run, walk, bake, or dream up your own event. We'll cheer you on with kits and support.
Start fundraisingJoin an event
From our Winter Ball to 50 Miles in May, our events bring the community together.
See upcoming eventsResources
Practical guides written for real families and teachers.
Booklets, toolkits and workshops covering everything from the return to school to understanding cognitive and behavioural changes after brain injury.
Browse all resourcesReal families
Stories from the children we support.
Our patrons & ambassadors
Proudly supported by inspiring voices.
Louis Tomlinson
Jimmy White M.B.E.
Andrew 'Freddy' Flintoff
Emily Maitlis
Paul Wait
Damian Williams
November 2026
Eden Dora Trust Winter Ball 2026
Our flagship black-tie evening of dinner, dancing and hope — in aid of children with encephalitis.
Learn more1–31 May 2026
50 Miles in May 2026
Walk, run or cycle 50 miles across May and raise vital funds while you move.
Learn more
Proud to be registered with the Fundraising Regulator and recognised as one of York's chosen charities.
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