Organise a 5k Allergy Buddy Walk between 1 and 4 October.
This October, we’re inviting everyone to come together for an Allergy Buddy Walk to celebrate Natasha’s Day on 1 October, the anniversary of Natasha’s Law coming into force. This year is particularly special as we remember 10 years without Natasha and celebrate 5 years of Natasha’s Law and her extraordinary legacy.
What is an Allergy Buddy Walk?
An Allergy Buddy Walk is a 5k walk that you can organise your way, wherever you choose and with whoever you want by your side. Bring together friends, family, neighbours, classmates or colleagues. Get your school or workplace involved. You could even turn your usual dog walk into an Allergy Buddy Walk.
However you choose to take part, every step will help raise awareness of food allergy and vital funds for Natasha’s Foundation.
Why a Buddy Walk?
Allergy Buddy Walks are named after Natasha’s beloved dog, Buddy. Natasha and Buddy were inseparable. He brought her comfort, companionship and joy while she navigated the daily challenges of living with food allergy. And yes, dogs are welcome too! We recommend keeping pets on leads where appropriate.
Why Natasha’s Day matters
Natasha’s Day takes place every year on 1 October, the anniversary of Natasha’s Law coming into force. Natasha’s Law was introduced following the death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from an allergic reaction after eating a baguette containing sesame that was not listed on the label. Following Natasha’s death, her parents, Tanya and Nadim, successfully campaigned for stronger food allergen labelling.
On 1 October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into force across the UK, requiring food prepacked for direct sale to display a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised. 5 years on, Natasha’s Law has helped millions of people living with food allergy make safer, more informed food choices.
But there is still much more to do. Food allergy affects millions of people across the UK. Around 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, roughly 2 children in every classroom, while at least 6% of UK adults have a diagnosed food allergy.
That’s why, 5 years after Natasha’s Law and 10 years without Natasha, we are bringing people together for Allergy Buddy Walks to celebrate how far we have come and support the work still to be done.
“We could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around Natasha’s legacy, or how many people would stand alongside us in our determination to make lasting change.”
Tanya & Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBEs
Natasha’s Mum & Dad and Co-founders of Natasha’s Foundation
Your Allergy Buddy Walk is a chance to bring people together, raise awareness of food allergy and fundraise for Natasha’s Foundation.
Whether you live with food allergy, care for someone who does or simply want to support our work, everyone is welcome. Every pound you raise helps us campaign for change, improve food allergy education and awareness, and invest in pioneering medical research.
Need help organising your Allergy Buddy Walk?
We can support you with fundraising ideas, top tips to help make your Allergy Buddy Walk a success, and any other help you need along the way. Email fundraise@natashasfoundation.org.uk and our team will help you get started.
Important information
Allergy Buddy Walks are independently organised fundraising events and are not organised or overseen by Natasha’s Foundation. Event organisers are responsible for the planning and delivery of their walk, and participants take part at their own discretion and risk. All participants are responsible for their own safety and the safety of any children in their care.
For any questions, email fundraise@natashasfoundation.org.uk