A MALTON-BASED international charity had launched a new cook book to support its work and raise awareness.

The Encephalitis Society, which has its office in Castlegate, supports those suffering from the condition which affects 6,000 people in England each year.

‘Food for thought…and brain’ is the work of Encephalitis survivor Tim Bond from Southampton, whose life was devastated by the condition in 2007.

Tim said: “On being discharged from hospital I had no understanding of what had happened, had limited mobility, reduced speech and was unable to care for myself.

"I found everything really difficult and was unable to cook for myself and had to relearn everything."

Tim added that every day was mentally exhausting and challenging and he found it difficult to accept that he did not know how to do things for himself.

"Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I was determined to rekindle that passion and learn to cook for myself again. It was frustrating at first, but oddly therapeutic in trying to relearn my lost skills," he said.

"The methodical approach to cooking recipes from a book really helped my recovery and I wanted to give something back to The Encephalitis Society who were such a massive help in my time of need, as well as giving hope to others that have also been affected.”

Support for the book has come from chefs and celebrities including Michelin starred Simon Rogan, James Martin, Tonia Buxton, Rebecca Adlington and Mathew Bose.

The book also includes a cocktail developed specifically for the book by internationally renowned mixologist, Ben Reed. The drink was inspired by Susannah Cahalan’s bestseller ‘Brain On Fire,’ which recounts her own story of Encephalitis.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, and is often triggered by infection or the body’s own immune system attacking the brain in error. There are hundreds of thousands of new cases around the world each year. The Encephalitis Society is the only resource of its kind anywhere in the world that provides support and information for people affected both directly and indirectly by Encephalitis.

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society said: “Encephalitis is a devastating condition that robs people of their lives. This book will raise a huge amount of awareness, whilst also providing our charity with a valuable source of income.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has backed this project, and enabled us to create something so amazing.”

The book will be available to purchase online from www.encephalitis.info priced at £15.