BBC | August 2026 | Playground Allergy Warning Sign Unveiled in Memory of Jess North

Unveiling the winning sign and artist!

This week a special new playground sign was unveiled at Hotham Park in Bognor Regis – a lasting tribute to Jess North, who tragically lost her life age 20, after a severe allergic reaction to peanut.

The sign encourages visitors to follow simple actions that can make playgrounds safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies. It asks that people eat in designated picnic areas, put their litter in the bin, and clean hands before using play equipment. The winning sign was designed by Year 5 pupil Esme from St Philip's Catholic Primary School in Arundel.

Maxine North, Jess's mum and an ambassador for Natasha's Foundation, came up with the idea after seeing similar food allergy awareness signs at Southampton City Farm and Dudley Zoo. The competition encouraged school children to think about the importance of inclusion and how small changes in everyday behaviour can make a big difference to people with food allergies. Maxine is already discussing her plans to extend the project to other parks - we'll keep you posted! 

Our heartfelt thanks to Maxine and her family for allowing us to support them with this project, to Arun District Council for helping bring it to life and to every pupil who took part in the competition. 

Together, we're raising awareness, inspiring inclusion and helping create a world where every child can enjoy playing safely.

"Through Jess's 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." - Maxine North