Understanding encephalitis: Jack and Antonia on the illness that took their daughter’s life

Jack and Antonia Cowmeadow join Dr Hilary for an unthinkably difficult conversation: the loss of their daughter, Lorelei in November 2024, just days before her second birthday.

What began as an ordinary toddler cold rapidly escalated into flu-related encephalitis — a rare but catastrophic inflammation of the brain.

They share, with extraordinary courage, the moment they realised something was gravely wrong, the desperate rush to hospital, the speed of her decline, and the care teams who fought to save her.

They also explain why they now want every parent to understand the early warning signs, to trust their instincts, and to know when to seek urgent help. Jack and Antonia also discuss organ donation, the impact of grief, Antonia’s later ectopic pregnancy, and — finally — the light returning to their lives with the pregnancy of their second baby girl.

Encephalitis affects around 6,000 people a year in the UK and 1.5 million worldwide, and can be fatal. Their hope is that telling Lorelei’s story will help save lives. Encephalitis International is the only charity worldwide dedicated to supporting people affected by encephalitis, raising awareness, and funding research.

For more information visit : https://www.encephalitis.info/

Jack is now running the London Marathon for WellChild, raising money to help seriously ill children to thrive at home and out of hospital

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-cowmeadow-1

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