On December 1st 2021 Benedict Blythe collapsed at school and died as a result of an anaphylactic reaction. Benedict was only five and this was his first term going to school, which he loved. Neither his family nor his doctor know exactly what it was that triggered Benedict’s reaction – the inquest into his death has not yet taken place and that may reveal more.
Meanwhile his parents have set up a charity, the Benedict Blythe Foundation which they hope can in due course focus on the things that Benedict loved and supporting children who learn in different ways. But first they are calling for a change in the law to ensure that all schools have – and implement – an allergy policy. They have therefore started a government petition calling for mandatory safeguards for allergic children to be in place in all schools to include:
- Having an allergy policy, including an anaphylaxis plan
- For pupils with food allergies, an IHP (individual healthcare plan) and anaphylaxis action plan completed (and regularly updated) collaboratively by the child, parents/carers and school staff
- Holding spare AAIs (adrenaline auto injectors) that are in-date
- Implementing training for school staff and teachers on allergies and anaphylaxis and a whole school allergy awareness approach
To sign the petition go here – and, ideally, follow that up with a letter to your MP (there is a template on the site if you scroll down the page).
Meanwhile, to learn more not only about Benedict’s case but about the mystery of the dramatic rise in the incidence of food allergy, read this excellent article by Bee Wilson in the Guardian in July.
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