Helen Blythe, a mother from Stamford, lives with the constant threat of anaphylaxis after losing her five-year-old son Benedict to a severe allergic reaction in December 2021. Benedict, who had multiple food allergies including milk, soy, sesame, eggs, and nuts, collapsed and died at school after eating a dairy-free gingerbread biscuit. The cause of his death remains unknown, with the coroner's inquest yet to conclude.
Benedict's first allergic reaction occurred at four months old when he consumed baby porridge containing whey powder, turning red and blowing 'bile bubbles'. Despite these extreme reactions, his GP initially dismissed them as a virus. Helen had to fight for a referral to an allergy clinic, highlighting the challenges parents face in diagnosing food allergies.
Helen, who also has a younger daughter Etta with multiple allergies, describes the constant anxiety of managing everyday situations like supermarket shopping or school events. She compares the fear to that of cancer patients or heart attack survivors. To keep her children safe, she maintains separate fridges for allergenic foods and prepares allergen-free cakes for school bake sales.
The rise in extreme food allergies among children and even pets is described as 'one of the great mysteries of our time'. Experts are uncertain why this increase is occurring, but it poses significant challenges for affected families. Helen's story underscores the need for greater awareness and better support for those living with severe allergies.
