Why has food allergy become such a feature in our day-to-day lives? You have probably heard the nut allergy announcements on planes, or seen food allergy signs in restaurants. It is not a new condition, but the number of people in the UK who have been diagnosed with food allergy has doubled since 2006. 

It is a condition which is particularly prevalent in children; and it is a condition which affects the lives of a sufferer’s family and friends also. It is a life-threatening condition: everything the affected person eats or may eat must be checked. Eating away from the home is a minefield. 

Food allergy became significant in our lives when our son was diagnosed with severe food allergies as a baby. Our local hospital intensive care unit was a regular destination in his early years.

Our day-to-day living radically changed: social and school events, holidays, and even a casual meal out all became challenges. We had to scrutinise ingredient labels on everything. "May Contain" became a familiar and threatening text. 

Every meal, every snack, every day requires constant diligence.

In the UK, 6-8% of children and 2% of adults suffer food allergy. This life threatening condition is becoming ever more prevalent. 

In previous years I supported Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK with an occasional charity run. In 2018 Natasha's Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) was founded by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically died after eating a sandwich which had undeclared and invisible sesame seed baked into the bread. 

Since retiring from my business career, I have followed more closely the impressive work that NARF has done, including campaigning politically for an Allergy Tsar and supporting clinical trials with nine NHS hospitals.

I intend to raise awareness of food allergies and their treatment using my social media channel MayContainIron (please give me a follow) and raising much needed funds for NARF so they can continue their amazing work.

So … in 2025 I am taking on the Ironman Challenge in Copenhagen to help people challenged by food allergy. I’ll be swimming 3.8km (2 miles), then cycling 180km (112 miles) and then running 40.2km (26.2 miles).

Why Copenhagen? Well, the course is flat! I’ll need all the help I can get!

I intend to make a real difference in 2025 through 

• helping people better understand food allergies, anaphylaxis, and the issues that sufferers have to overcome
• raising financial support for NARF

A little understanding can make a massive difference and perhaps also save a life. See how you can help and better understand about food allergies CLICK ON