Allergy Playground Sign Unveiled in Memory of Jess North
The winning artwork designed by Esme, year 5
This week, a very special playground sign was unveiled at Hotham Park in Bognor Regis. More than just a sign, it is a lasting tribute to Jess North, who tragically lost her life aged 20 after a severe allergic reaction to peanut.
Created in Jess's memory, the sign encourages simple actions that can make playgrounds safer and more inclusive for children living with food allergies. It reminds visitors to eat in designated picnic areas, put litter in the bin and clean their hands before using play equipment. Small acts of kindness like these can help reduce the risk of accidental allergen exposure and give families greater confidence that children with food allergies can play safely alongside their friends.
The project was inspired by Jess's mum, Maxine North, an ambassador for Natasha's Foundation. After seeing similar food allergy awareness signs at Southampton City Farm and Dudley Zoo, she wanted to bring the idea to her local community and create something that would both honour Jess's memory and educate future generations.
Working alongside Natasha's Foundation and Arun District Council, local primary school children were invited to design the new sign as part of a competition celebrating inclusion and food allergy awareness.
The winning artwork was created by Year 5 pupil Esme from St Philip's Catholic Primary School in Arundel. Her colourful design now stands proudly in Hotham Park, encouraging everyone who visits to think about how small actions can make a big difference.
Jess died in May 2021 after unknowingly eating food containing peanut, triggering a fatal anaphylactic reaction. Since then, her family have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of food allergy and help prevent other families experiencing the same devastating loss.
Maxine North, Sophie North, winner Esme, Councillor Amanda Newton-Worne, Arun District Council
Maxine North said:
"As a family, we are deeply grateful to Natasha's Foundation for supporting this project. This allergy awareness sign represents an important step towards creating playgrounds where children can play, eat and have fun together, whilst also raising awareness of the hidden dangers that food can pose to those living with food allergies.
"This sign is dedicated to the loving memory of our beautiful daughter, Jess, who tragically lost her life because of a food allergy. Through her legacy, we hope to inspire understanding and encourage simple acts of care that can help protect others from experiencing the heartbreak that our family has endured.
"We hope this sign will encourage children, parents and carers to be mindful of food allergies and help create safer, more inclusive spaces where every child can enjoy the freedom of as happy, healthy and normal a childhood as possible."
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of Natasha's Foundation, said:
"Taking small, simple steps in a playground to prevent traces of food being left on play equipment means that all children can play safely, including those with food allergy.
"We are delighted to support Maxine and her family with this project, which is a special tribute to their much-loved and deeply missed daughter, Jess, and we hope it will raise greater awareness of food allergy."
Jan Parnell, Director of Education at Natasha's Foundation, added:
"Unfortunately, there is still a lack of understanding about the seriousness of food allergy. Projects like this help children with food allergies feel safer, more included and able to take part in everyday activities both in and out of school."
Councillor Amanda Worne, Chair of the Environment Committee at Arun District Council, said the council was proud to support the initiative, describing the sign as an important way to raise awareness while creating safer, more inclusive public spaces.
Jess North, tragically lost her life aged 20 after a severe allergic reaction to peanut.
Helping children with food allergies feel safe and included
The playground sign reflects the same ambition that sits at the heart of Allergy School, Natasha's Foundation's free education programme.
Through accredited allergy training, practical guidance, lesson plans and resources, Allergy School helps nurseries, schools and out-of-school settings build understanding, improve food allergy safety and create environments where children with food allergies feel protected, included and able to thrive.
Together, projects like this show that creating safer spaces does not always require big changes. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as throwing litter away, washing your hands or choosing to eat in the designated picnic area.
Because every child deserves the freedom to play safely.