THE family of a university lecturer who remains seriously ill after she was infected with a virus in China are lending their support to a North Yorkshire charity aiming to raise awareness about the brain condition.

Dr Sophie Williams, who is paralysed and on life support, is receiving treatment in Bangor Hospital, Wales, after being diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis in July.

Her father, Mike Williams, owner of Castlegate News, in Malton, said they had now been told there was now no prospect of any physical improvement.

"Unfortunately this means that Sophie will remain permanently paralysed and is likely to remain on a ventilator," he said.

"Mentally she seems to be getting slighter brighter and is able to talk to a limited extent."

Mike said Sophie would remain in hospital where she would receive extensive physio treatment for the next six months.

"It is then hoped she can be transferred to a rehabilitation centre where she will continue her treatment for a further few months and then hopefully return to the the home she shared in Bangor with her partner Robert where a specially-trained care team will look after her."

Sophie, a respected conservation expert who has given talks around the world, was undertaking research with students from Bangor University 400 miles from the city of Kunming, in Yuannan Province, when she fell ill in July.

Her father said the Encephalitis Society, based just doors away from his Malton shop, had been extremely supportive.

“The help and support we have received from the Encephalitis Society has been second to none, they have always been there when we have needed them,” he said.

The third annual World Encephalitis Day on Monday, will see supporters of the Encephalitis Society come together to highlight the little-known condition.