About Luke & Anaphylaxis UK
Who's Luke?
A little about me
An amateur runner from Sheffield
Hello there! My name is Luke and I'm a proud husband and father of two wonderful children, James and Isabella. As a family, we've faced some challenges over the years, particularly when it comes to James' severe peanut and treenut allergy. It can be scary knowing that something as simple as a snack or meal could potentially be life-threatening for him. That's why I'm dedicating my first ultra-marathon to raising awareness and funds for Anaphylaxis UK, a charity that provides vital support services to those affected by severe allergies.
Running has always been a passion of mine, and this year I've set myself a personal challenge to run 200 times and cover at least 1000km. My current record is 183 runs in a year, so I know this will be a tough but achievable goal. Training for an ultra-marathon has been a whole new experience, pushing me to new physical and mental limits. But I'm determined to succeed and raise as much awareness and funds as possible for Anaphylaxis UK.
This is a cause that's close to my heart, and I'm grateful for the support of my family and friends who have cheered me on throughout my training journey. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by severe allergies. Thank you for joining me on this journey and supporting this important cause.
Our Story
💙 Our son, James, suffered a life threatening allergic reaction back in September 2019 when he was just 8 months old. We had no idea he had a peanut and tree nut allergy so what started out just like any other Friday quickly became the most terrifying day of our lives.
📚 Since then, it's been a whole lot of learning! We've had to learn how best to keep him safe, learn what to do if he comes into contact with his allergens, learn how to communicate the severity of his allergy to others, learn how to trust other people to look after him, learn how to go on holiday safely, and learn how to teach James about his allergies.
🙏 The anxiety surrounding even the simplest of days out for an allergy parrent can be really hard to deal with at times. But the information and support that Anaphylaxis UK offer has been invaluable.
💡 Did you know that anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects about 1 in 50 people in the UK? Anaphylaxis UK is there to help people with severe allergies manage their condition and live a full and active life.
Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
The charity
Anaphylaxis UK
The charity's mission is to create a safe environment for all people with allergies by raising awareness, providing education, and funding research.
Anaphylaxis UK is a UK-based charity that provides support, information, and guidance to people with severe allergies and anaphylaxis. Founded in 1994 by David Reading, the charity has been instrumental in raising awareness of the dangers of anaphylaxis and campaigning for better access to allergy services and medications. Anaphylaxis UK is funded by donations and fundraising events, and it operates a helpline for people with allergies and anaphylaxis, which is staffed by trained volunteers and healthcare professionals.
The charity's income comes from a range of sources, including donations, fundraising events, and grants. Anaphylaxis UK has a team of specialist advisers who provide advice and support to people with allergies and anaphylaxis. The charity also campaigns for improved labelling of allergens on food products and for the inclusion of adrenaline auto-injectors in first aid kits in public places.
Anaphylaxis UK has been successful in raising awareness of the dangers of anaphylaxis and the importance of carrying adrenaline auto-injectors. According to the charity's website, around 20% of people with anaphylaxis will experience a second anaphylactic reaction, and around 30% of these will occur within the first hour of the first reaction. The charity therefore recommends that people with anaphylaxis always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with them, and that these are always in date and easily accessible. Through its campaigns and advocacy work, Anaphylaxis UK has helped to ensure that people with allergies and anaphylaxis have access to the support and resources they need to manage their condition and stay safe.
- Founded
- 1994
- Employees
- 12
- Trustees
- 9
- Volunteers
- 50