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Bethany was 14 years old when she witnessed Natasha, her best friend suffered an anaphylactic reaction while onboard a British Airways flight. The allergic reaction was so serious that Natasha died in hospital later that day.

Today, Bethany is an Ambassador for Natasha’s Foundation and here she is at a conference, bravely sharing her experience of what happened to Natasha, to help raise awareness of the dangers of food allergies. She was given a standing ovation, there was not a dry eye in the place.

The importance of raising allergy awareness cannot be underestimated. For too many, their own understanding of allergy is often quite vague; it can still mean a sneeze or an itch and that they aren't either serious or life-threatening. For those living allergic lives, this misconception can create huge barriers to feeling/being safe and having the confidence to live life to the full.

Over the past eight weeks, The Times charity appeal has spotlighted stories, facts, concerns, hopes, and experiences surrounding food allergies. By sharing these narratives, statistics and insights, it has provided an incredible platform to promote the importance of allergy inclusivity and reduce stigma and discrimination, which can lead to feelings of stress, isolation and anxiety. We are not just raising food allergy awareness, we are promoting greater understanding and empathy towards this condition…and that can only be a good thing.

Thank you to everyone who has commented, shared or liked our posts, it is hugely appreciated! 💜

When will these attitudes towards people with allergies change?

You have told us that…

1. ...you have often felt the need to apologise when explaining your allergy
2. ...your allergy is treated like an inconvenience
3. ...you have been made to feel guilty or awkward when flagging up your allergy
4. ...these attitudes have put you into situations where you have felt unsafe
5. ...you just wish you were immediately believed and your allergies taken seriously

Even today, with all the media and conversation around food allergies, they are often still considered by many to be just plain annoying, as if people choose to be allergic and by default make other people's lives difficult. It is little wonder that some say they prefer not to share their allergies with others - which is worrying because it is essential that they do, to stay as safe as possible. They have to carry this responsibility all their lives, because there are too many opportunities in everyday life to accidentally ingest or come into contact with what they are allergic to.

We would ask that people never make their own assumptions when someone tells them they have a food allergy. Instead of thinking it might not be true, it’s exaggerated or highly unlikely - please believe them. Listen and take what they are saying seriously, because they are telling you for good reason.

Not to, could risk their health and even their life.

💜 Please share this post far and wide 📣

Please join in and share!

🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎉

To celebrate Coeliac Awareness Day, we’ve teamed up with for an amazing giveaway! You could win a £50 Tesco voucher AND a £50 voucher to spend on their delicious, free-from treats! 🌟🍪

To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Share it to your story
3️⃣ Tag 3 friends in the comments below 👇

Giveaway closes on 30th September. T&Cs apply. Good luck! 🙌

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