Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have chosen to fundraise for Natasha Allergy Research Foundation because I have lived with a severe dairy allergy since I was born and I think it is really important to raise awareness around the seriousness of allergies and that they can be life threatening. 

My experience of trying to eat away from home has mostly been a negative one often resulting in having to use an adrenaline pen after going into anaphylactic shock. There have been times when I have left restaurants and pubs because I could sense a lack of understanding particularly around cross contamination. I now choose not to eat out because of the risk and anxiety it causes me. 

Incorrect food labelling has been one of the main reasons for several of my own anaphylactic reactions. Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has campaigned for Natasha’s Law which will come into effect in October 2021 and requires all pre packaged  food to display a full ingredients list. 

One of the many incidents of poor labelling I have experienced was last year. I bought a vegan chocolate bar, which stated it was dairy free and there were no dairy products in the ingredients list or the may contain list. As soon as I took a bite my lips  started to tingle and swell and my airways started  to feel tight this all started to happen in less than a couple of minutes. I was able to give myself my adrenaline pen immediately which worked and I started to recover. This is not always the case and sometimes two adrenaline pens are needed. However, I have had reactions where two pens have not been enough and further treatment in hospital has been needed. The vegan chocolate bar has now been relabelled as may contain milk after the company tested it and traces of milk were found. 

As well as the food industry providing better information to consumers, importantly,  the money you give to the Natasha Foundation will go towards research for cures and better medicines.  #Natashasarmy 

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