A NORTH Yorkshire charity that does vital work in supporting families has been given a cash boost.

The Malton-based Encephalitis Society has been given £500 by property developer Taylor Wimpey.

The cash will go towards the charity’s support service, helping individuals and families affected by encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain tissue.

Chief executive Dr Ava Easton said: “We have been supporting people affected by encephalitis for 21 years now and rely entirely on fundraising and external financial backing.

“This £500 will fund 25 hours of our support service - helping individuals and their families to come to terms with this devastating condition.

“Our support service can be accessed via phone, email and Skype; and for those most seriously affected, we can now offer the support of a neuropsychologist.”

Debbie Whittingham from Taylor Wimpey said: “Encephalitis is a devastating condition so as soon as we heard about the work the charity does, we jumped at the chance to offer our support.

“The charity is one of the only ones of its kind in the world and the support they are offering to so many people across the country is just incredible.”

For further information on the Encephalitis Society call 01653-602 065 or visit encephalitis.info.