Cardiff Rugby scrum-half Aled Davies has opened up about his father’s illness in a bid to raise awareness of encephalitis – a condition his family knew little about until it affected them personally.
Davies and his family began supporting Encephalitis International after Aled’s father, Huw, became ill with encephalitis in September 2006. At the time, they had never even heard of the condition.
Looking back in an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Davies explained how the early signs didn’t immediately point to something quite so serious.
“Farmers, if they’re ill they’ll be out on the farm, whatever. That week he was in the house really,” he said.
“All of a sudden, on the Friday, he was fitting in bed, so we had to call an ambulance out.”
Huw was initially treated for a urinary tract infection and sent home. But his behaviour became increasingly confused.
“Mum was worried, so she took him to the hospital again, and they released him. Then that afternoon he was so confused,” Davies said. “We had an old farmhouse, and he basically opened the window upstairs and nearly walked out of it.”
He had further seizures later that day, and it wasn’t until the following Thursday that encephalitis was diagnosed.
“We didn’t have a clue what it was,” Davies admitted. “At one time he didn’t know he had me. He knew my two older brothers, but he was calling me their names.”
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, often caused by infection, and its symptoms can vary widely. Because of that, it isn’t always recognised straight away – something Aled is keen to help change.
Through his ambassador role with Encephalitis International, he is backing the charity’s “Flames” campaign, which helps people remember the key warning signs.
“Flames is easy to remember”
- F – Flu-like symptoms
- L – Loss of consciousness
- A – Acute headache
- M – Memory problems
- E – Emotional and behavioural changes
- S – Seizures
“It’s a red flag thing for doctors and people to look for,” he said.
For Davies and his family, the charity provided guidance and reassurance during a difficult period.
“My family turned to Encephalitis International when my dad became poorly and they were a comfort to us at a very difficult time,” he said.
Huw sadly passed away a few years after his diagnosis from a separate battle with cancer, but Davies hopes that by sharing his family’s experience he can help others recognise the signs of encephalitis sooner and feel less alone if they’re affected.
“Sadly, my dad is no longer with us, but I hope to honour his memory by raising awareness of encephalitis and supporting others affected by this devastating condition.”