A woman from Undy has spoken of her delight at being sponsored to work for the charity, the Encephalitis Society, as she herself battles with the condition.

Karen Hughes,36, is preparing to work for two months for the charity, after she applied to the Vodafone World of Difference Programme - a scheme set up with the aim of providing 500 people in the UK, the opportunity to make a real difference to their chosen charities.

Mrs Hughes, was diagnosed with encephalitis at the age of 25, after she began suffering symptoms connected with the condition.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, which is usually caused by infection or an inappropriate auto-immune response to infection.

Speaking to the Free Press, she said: "I am thrilled that I have been chosen to take part in the programme. Over 11,000 people applied, and the applicants were shortlisted to 750, and I was chosen as one of the 500 to take part. I will be funded to spend two months researching and undertaking work for the Encephalitis Society, which is a charity that has helped me so much since I was diagnosed."

She added: "The society is aiming to have representatives set up in areas all over the UK, to help provide support and advice to those suffering from the condition. At present, I am the only rep in the whole of Wales."

Mrs Hughes, who was a qualified nurse, was forced to give up her job, but has since gone on to train as an occupational therapist.

She said: "The society is such a good charity and it is great to be able to give something back. It is great to be given this opportunity. My husband Darren, and my family, have all been very supportive and are very proud that I will be able to do something that will benefit not just myself, but so many others who suffer from the condition."

If you would like to know more about the charity please visit www.encephalitis.info/ and for more information about the Vodafone World of Difference Programme visit www.vodafone.co.uk/worldofdifference