Shining Stars: The Power of Community

Each year, 1 October is Natasha’s Day – a time to celebrate Natasha’s legacy of change and look ahead to a brighter future for everyone with food allergies.

Our ambition is clear - we are on a mission to #MakeAllergyHistory. With every step forward we take, we are joined by an extraordinary community of supporters and fundraisers. This was so clear earlier this month, when we asked you, our community, to mark Natasha’s Day by getting involved with the 14 for 14 Challenge. The response has been nothing short of phenomenal. From sewing to singing, cycling to swimming, our community has gone above and beyond.  

Our wonderful supporter Darcy, aged 9, cycled 14km for her challenge. She was inspired to take part by her mum, Emma, who is also running the London Marathon next year for Natasha’s Foundation. Darcy told us:

“I wanted to raise awareness of people with food allergies, including myself. Having an allergy to nuts and peanuts is good and bad. Good because you get to eat special food, but bad when you are told ‘no’ if you really want to eat something because lots of people don’t understand food allergies.

The challenge was tiring but I felt super proud of myself for raising £700!” 

Another brilliant young supporter, Laurie, brought lots of fun, creativity and colour to his 14 for 14 challenge!

Laurie had the brilliant idea to wear 14 different fancy dress costumes for 14 days to fundraise. From superheroes to fictional characters, Laurie’s outfits were a joyful and imaginative way to bring people together and raise vital awareness.

Laurie – you are a true superhero!

We loved learning about why you, our special community, are passionate about supporting Natasha’s Foundation. One dedicated supporter was inspired to fundraise for her granddaughter, who lives with a severe allergy to sesame.

She chose a challenge that felt personal and best represented her granddaughter, who started school this term in Butterfly Class, by swimming 196 lengths of butterfly stroke (14 lots of 14 lengths)! This thoughtful idea was a beautiful way to celebrate her granddaughter’s new chapter at school.

Our fundraisers are real superstars, and this was perfectly encapsulated by the beautiful stars handmade by Stella. For her fundraising challenge, Stella carefully crocheted 14 stars. Stella’s final design is a stunning decorative mobile, the proceeds of which will support our mission to #MakeAllergyHistory.  Stella said:

“Having lived with allergies and a rare allergic condition that affects the oesophagus all my life, research into allergies is very close to my heart. Making these crocheted stars is one way I can show my support for Natasha’s Foundation in their work. 14 stars, one for each allergen.

Stars to represent Natasha and others who are no longer with us, but also to acknowledge Tanya and Nadim, and everyone who is working so passionately to make life better for those affected by allergies.”

Thank you everyone for taking part in the 14 for 14 Challenge this Natasha’s Day.

Your creativity, passion and determination have inspired us all and reminded us of the remarkable power of community.



Hannah ParlettComment