Mum sets upgroup to helpthose livingwith allergies

Fiona Peters, has now started a Londonderry support group, for people affected by life-threatening allergies, or ‘anaphylaxis.’

She said: “I helped start the group because living with severe allergies, whether allergic yourself or as a carer for someone else with anaphylaxis, can be really difficult and have a profound impact on your daily life.

“It can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety – particularly if it’s a child with anaphylaxis you’re caring for.

“In the beginning, you worry that anything they eat could threaten their life. Helping others is, for me, a great way to regain some of the control you feel you’ve lost and provide some tangible support to those who are finding it hard to cope.”

Food allergies are thought to affect around five to eight per cent of children and two to four per cent of adults.

Fiona’s support group, which is run in conjunction with the Anaphylaxis Campaign, will meet in the Central Library in Londonderry on Wednesday (September 17).

Anaphylaxis Campaign CEO, Lynne Regent said, “It’s brilliant that Fiona has decided to run a support group for us in both Banbridge and Derry/Londonderry. Many people in the general population do not understand just how serious allergy and anaphylaxis can be.

“Our support groups, like the ones Fiona is running, provide a vital touch point for affected families and individuals and are a really positive way for them to support each other.”

To find out more or to book a place click here.