South Shields gran who 'kept repeating herself' had a 'devastating' brain condition most have never heard of

In April 2021, Evie Laycock had been helping to look after a new grandchild when she suddenly fell ill. She then spend more than a month in hospital as it became clear that the South Shields woman had encephalitis - a potentially lethal brain condition.

Now - to mark World Encephalitis Day on February 22 2022 - the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust has answered a call to illuminate its hospitals red to "shine a light on encephalitis" as part of an international campaign. Worldwide, more than 220 landmarks across 27 countries will glow on Wednesday at night.

This will include in Piccadilly Circus in London and at Niagara Falls.