Join our Allergy Buddy Walk

On 4th October, the community in Tyne And Wear is coming together for an Allergy Buddy Walk to celebrate Natasha’s Day, raise awareness of food allergy and fundraise for Natasha’s Foundation.

This year is particularly special as we remember 10 years without Natasha and celebrate 5 years of Natasha’s Law.

Why are we walking?

Hi, I’m Mirabel. I am a grandma with lived experience of allergic disease and the impact of it on families. Two of my grandchildren have been affected by it. One to nuts and the other to eggs and all dairy.

In the early days, I searched for support and came across NARF, Natasha's Foundation, who have been a great help to us. They fight allergic disease in many ways; from changing the law, to introducing OIT (Oral Immunotherapy Natasha's Foundation) trials, to investing in research and providing free online materials for schools. The impact is lifechanging.

I am raising money to support their work.

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.

On 1 October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into force across the UK, requiring food prepacked for direct sale to display a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised. 5 years on, this landmark legislation has helped millions of people living with food allergy make safer, more informed food choices.

Allergy Buddy Walks bring people together, start conversations about food allergy and raise vital funds to support the work of Natasha’s Foundation. Every pound raised helps the Foundation campaign for change, improve food allergy education and awareness, and invest in pioneering medical research towards a future without food allergy.

We’d love you to walk with us, support our fundraising or make a donation.

Why “Buddy”?

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

Our Allergy Buddy Walk

Date: 4th October 2026

Location: The start point is known as Bonner's Field, Bishopwearmouth, SR6 0AA

Timings: Arrival time at 10.00, Start Time at 10.15 and estimated finish time about 11.50am

Parking and transport: The Newcastle to Sunderland Metro (both directions) stops at St Peter’s Metro station which is directly across the road from the start point.

There is ample public parking in Sunderland City centre on the south side of Wearmouth Bridge such as St Mary's Car Park https://www.sunderland.gov.uk › st-marys-car-park which is about 400 metres from the start point.

Route/map: We will walk down by the riverside at the back of St Peter's Campus, along to Roker Marina and towards Roker Park, finishing back at the seaside eateries at Roker Marina.

What to bring: Please wear suitable footwear and clothing and don't forget your water.

Please note: Participants take part at their own discretion and risk. All participants are responsible for their own safety and the safety of any children in their care.

The walk is family friendly. Children need to be supervised at all times.

Dogs are very welcome on this walk, but they must remain on leads at all times, please remember to bring your poo bags.

Thank you for supporting our Allergy Buddy Walk and helping us walk towards a future without food allergy.