Allergy Buddy Walks

Walk 5k. Raise awareness. Fundraise for a future without food allergy.

Between 1 and 4 October, we’re inviting everyone to come together for an Allergy Buddy Walk to celebrate Natasha’s Day and be part of Natasha’s extraordinary legacy.

This year is particularly special, it is 10 years since we lost Natasha and 5 years since Natasha’s Law came into force, transforming food allergen labelling across the UK.

Walk with friends, family, neighbours, classmates or colleagues. Get your school or workplace involved or bring your 4-legged buddies too.

Anyone can be an allergy buddy. The more buddies, the better!

Why are we walking?

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse was 15 when she died from an allergic reaction after eating a baguette containing sesame that was not listed on the label.

Following Natasha’s death, her parents, Tanya and Nadim, successfully campaigned for stronger food allergen labelling. Their campaign led to Natasha’s Law, which came into force across the UK on 1 October 2021, requiring food prepacked for direct sale to display a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised.

1 October has since become Natasha’s Day, a day to celebrate Natasha’s extraordinary legacy and the work of Natasha’s Foundation. 5 years on, Natasha’s Law has helped millions of people living with food allergy make safer, more informed food choices. But there is still much more to do.

Food allergy affects millions of people across the UK. Around 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, roughly 2 children in every classroom, while at least 6% of UK adults have a diagnosed food allergy.

10 years without Natasha and 5 years after Natasha’s Law, Allergy Buddy Walks are an opportunity to come together, celebrate how far we have come and support the work still to be done.

Why “Buddy” Walks?

Allergy Buddy Walks are named after Natasha’s beloved dog, Buddy. Natasha and Buddy were inseparable. He brought her comfort, companionship and joy while she navigated the daily challenges of living with food allergy.

And yes, 4-legged buddies are welcome too!

Make your walk your own

Choose your own 5k route and walk with whoever you want by your side.

Every pound raised helps Natasha’s Foundation campaign for change, improve food allergy education and awareness, and invest in pioneering medical research towards our goal of a future without food allergy.

Ready to get walking?

Start planning your Allergy Buddy Walk between 1 and 4 October. Get in touch to receive your Allergy Buddy Walk Pack, full of ideas, fundraising tips and everything you need to get started. Email fundraise@natashasfoundation.org.uk

Allergy Buddy Walks are independently organised, locally run fundraising events in aid of Natasha’s Foundation. Natasha’s Foundation does not organise, manage or oversee individual walks and is not responsible for their planning, delivery, safety arrangements or operation.

Event organisers are responsible for organising and running their own walk. All participants take part at their own discretion and risk and are responsible for their own safety and the safety of any children in their care.