Join our Allergy Buddy Walk

On Saturday 3rd October, the Valentin Family, friends and supporters are coming together for the first time for an Allergy Buddy Walk to celebrate Natasha’s Day, raise awareness of food allergy and fundraise for the amazing Natasha’s Foundation.

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

Why We Are Walking

Every single day, millions of families live with an invisible burden: severe food allergies.

For our family, managing severe sesame and peanut allergies isn't just about reading labels at the supermarket and carrying a bag of epipens and medication wherever we go - it shapes every aspect of how we live, travel and celebrate. For my son, living with a severe allergy has meant growing up with a background noise of constant, low-level stress.

It means having an awkward conversation with a server at every single meal out. It means missing out on traditional cultural foods and family celebrations because they aren't safe. It means feeling isolated when visiting family abroad, where three times a day, every day, we have to be hypervigilant because his allergen is around every corner.

Worst of all, it means watching him avoid social meals with friends because he doesn't want to make a fuss - even though he's secretly scared of ending up in hospital.

As a parent, I worry every single time he eats away from home. In a few short years, he will step out into the world as an adult, far more exposed to these risks than he is today. I want that world to be safer for him, and for everyone living with severe food allergies.

Why the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation?

In 2016, 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse tragically died from an allergic reaction to a baguette containing unlabelled sesame. Her parents, Tanya and Nadim, turned unimaginable grief into action, successfully campaigning for "Natasha’s Law" to protect allergy sufferers through clear food 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.

But their work isn't done. Allergy Buddy Walks bring people together to start vital conversations about food allergies and fund the Natasha Foundation’s ground-breaking work. 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.

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.

How You Can Help

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

Donate: Every pound brings us closer to a future where food allergies are better understood, better managed, and ultimately cured.

Walk With Us: Put on your trainers, join our walk, and help us turn awareness into action!

Thank you so much for your love, support and generosity and helping us walk towards a future without food allergy.

Our 5k Allergy Buddy Walk

Date: Saturday, 3rd October

Location: Clarence Gate, Regent's Park - Just inside the entrance to the park by the park information signboard. This is a 3-minute walk from Baker Street station.

Timings: Arrival time 2pm - 2:15pm; START TIME 2:30pm; Estimated finish time 4pm (including time for photo stop on Primrose Hill weather-permitting!)

Transport: We recommend using public transport as this is not a circular route. Alternatively, you could look for a car park or rent a drive close to the finish point.

The finish point is the North Star pub - a few minutes' walk from Swiss Cottage station (Jubilee line) and Finchley Road station (Metropolitan/Jubilee).

Route/map: We will post details of the route shortly.

What to bring: Please wear suitable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and don't forget your water. PURPLE is The Natasha Foundation's charity colour, so we would love it if you come wearing purple! We would really stand out as a group. :)

Please note: Dogs are very welcome on this walk, but they must remain on leads at all times, please remember to bring your poo bags. Children need to be supervised at all times.