THE Malton-based Encephalitis Society has made a key appointment to help reach its target of raising £1m by 2020.

Julia Clark has been appointed director of income generation to help shape the charity’s work, making a difference to the lives of thousands of people across the globe whose lives are affected by encephalitis.

Last year The Encephalitis Society directly supported 1,200 people with another 550,000 using the charity’s extensive advice and information resources.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “I am delighted with this key appointment to our senior leadership team. Julia brings great experience and skills and The Encephalitis Society will benefit tremendously in the years ahead.”

Julia said: “I am delighted to be joining The Encephalitis Society in the exciting new role of director of income generation and am looking forward to being a part of the new ambitious strategic plan, and growing income so that every person with encephalitis is diagnosed quickly, receives the best medical care possible and can access the right rehabilitation and social support.”

Julia was previously director of fundraising at Yorkshire Cancer Research, and was in that role as a member of the senior management team for the previous 18 months. Previously she was head of regional fundraising at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.