You are invited to come along to our Southend-area Allergy Buddy Walk on Sunday 4th October.

Why are we walking?

We hope to bring together people with food allergies, to start conversations and meet others in the same situation. Or you can just come along for the walk and support the work of Natasha’s Foundation.

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

These walks are happening all over the country on the same weekend.

If you would like to join our walk, we ask for a small donation if you can afford it. You don’t need to register in advance. If you have any questions, email me at markjmassey@gmail.com

My daughter Rosa was lucky enough to be part of a successful dairy immunology trial funded by Natasha’s Foundation. She will be taking part in the walk and it would be great for her to meet other young people with allergies.

Our Allergy Buddy Walk:

Date: Sunday 4th October 2026, 1.30pm

Meeting point: In front of Benfleet station (south side), 1.20pm

Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)

Estimated walking time: 1 hour 30mins, to 2 hours. We will walk at the slowest person’s pace.

Getting there: There are chargeable car parks at both Benfleet and Leigh-on-Sea stations. C2C is operating a rail replacement between Basildon and Leigh-on-Sea that day, and shuttle trains between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. If you park at the start you will be able to take the rail replacement bus back to Benfleet after the walk.

Route/map: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/33453035/allergy-buddy-walk--southend?lat=51.53917&lon=0.58544&zoom=12.9873&style=TopoAuto&type=2d

The route is a mixture of stony/gravel paths, grass paths, and a small amount of tarmac paths. It is a flat route, and there are great views towards Hadleigh Castle and Two Tree Island especially if the weather is good.

There are three kissing gates en route, so if you are thinking of bringing a buggy or wheelchair please let me know and I can advise.

There is a cafe at the end of the route where we can grab a coffee.

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

Dogs are welcome - please remember to bring your poo bags.

Children need to be supervised at all times.

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

We hope to have some t-shirts and doggie bandanas available on the day for a donation.

About Natasha’s Foundation

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 her death, her parents, Tanya and Nadim, started Natasha’s Foundation to campaign, raise awareness, and fund allergy research.

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.