Rushton Primary School pupils help raise awareness of rare brain condition which left headteacher fighting for her life

Alison Willis, from Higham Ferrers, is now on the road to recovery after being affected by encephalitis just before Easter last year.

She led a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the condition and pupils played their part by wearing red on World Encephalitis Day on Monday (February 22).

She said: “All the kids loved it as they got to wear something different and with them all wearing red it was quite striking.

“They are all aware that they are making a difference which is great and I’m very proud.

“It’s still hard for me and it’s very raw but it’s lovely that they want to help.

“My recovery has been slow and frustrating but I’ve been extremely lucky.

“The team at the hospital spotted what it very early and gave me the drugs very quickly which saved my life.”

Pupils at the school also raised £150 from their Christmas concert, taking the fundraising total to £350.

About 500,000 people are affected by encephalitis globally each year, regardless of their age, gender, ethnic origin or culture.