A charity which provides worldwide health services from a former garage is appealing for help.

The tiny Encephalitis Support Group, based in Malton, North Yorkshire, has only five part-time workers, but provides a support service to sufferers from Middlesbrough to Moscow.

Run from a converted garage, the charity takes so many calls and e-mails from the UK and abroad that it needs to expand into larger premises urgently.

Encephalitis is a rare disease caused when relatively harmless viruses break through the barrier which normally keeps infection out of the brain. It can kill or cause lifelong physical and mental problems.

The move is the dream of founder Elaine Dowell, who set up the group seven years ago after her son, Andrew, suffered brain damage as a result of encephalitis.

She found it so difficult to get information about the illness that she decided to set up a service for others. It is thought to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Now, the group is looking to supporters to raise the £100,000 needed to complete the move. It is half way to its total, but relies on well-wishers' donations.

The group wants to set up a National Encephalitis Resource Centre, open to the public and with facilities for the disabled.

"There has been some very effective fundraising by our members," said project manager Keith Stevens.

Nearly £700 was raised by a sponsored bible read at the local parish church, St Michael's.

"We depend on the generosity of members and the public. We just need another big push to hit our target," he said.

The group can be contacted on (01653 699599).

Helping the world for her garage - Page 12