THE FATHER of a university lecturer who fell critically ill after she was infected with a virus in south-east China is organising a 25th anniversary quiz to raise funds for the charity which has supported the family.

The Sundella Trophy was set up by Mike Williams, who owns Castle News. in Malton in 1992 and is sponsored by Ta te-Smith Ltd which is also based in the town.

Since then it has raised approaching £100,000 for a variety of charities and organisations.

To mark the silver anniversary, this year’s quiz will raise funds for the Encephalitis Society which has supported Mike and his family after his daughter Sophie fell critically ill.

Sophie, 33, a leading university lecturer, was infected with with the viral brain infection Japanese encephalitis in July 2015 while on a botanical research trip in south-east China.

Mike said: “Sophie continues to make steady progress but will always need 24 hour care .

“She will be moving from hospital to Bury Rehabilitation Centre on April 3 and always remains positive and continues to receive tremendous support from her friends and colleagues.”

Mike added: “The support the family has received from the Encephalitis Society, based here in Malton, has been invaluable and it seemed fitting as this is the 25th Sundella Trophy that proceeds should go to the charity.”

Paul Ta te-Smith, managing director of the drinks company, said:”Mike came to us 25 years ago asking if we would sponsor a quiz and here we are all those years later and it is still going strong.

“Mike has done a phenomenal job in raising so much money for so many charities.”

Paul said this was the first year Mike had chosen the charity and it was fitting that the money raised goes to the Encephalitis Society.

“My dad, Tim, also suffered from encephalitis in the early 1970s and fortunately made a full recovery,” he added. “Encephalitis is a illness that many people don’t know much about and hopefully this will help raise the profile of the charity which we are fortunate to have based her in Malton.”

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “We are very grateful to Mike and Paul for choosing us as their charity for the 25th anniversary quiz.

“We know the quiz will be a lot of fun, with some tough questions, and can’t wait to pit our wits against the other teams for The Sundella Trophy. It would be fantastic if the people of Ryedale could come down and support the evening – we look forward to seeing you there.”

The Sundella Trophy Quiz will be held at Malton School on Friday, March 17 at 7.30pm. Entry is £12 for a team of four .

For more information and to enter contact Mike Williams on 01653 692876 or 01944 758200.