Improve food allergy awareness

Mizen to Malin - End to End - Here we go

At 6am tomorrow morning I’ll attempt the Mizen Head to Malin Head Cycling record. That’s the entire length of Ireland, in under 17hrs20mins.

I’ll give it a rattle. That’s kinda my thing. But I want to make this ride an opportunity to raise awareness on the seriousness of food allergies!

My daughter has a severe nut and egg allergy (don’t tell her I told you). It’s the scariest thing I know as a parent. We are constantly vigilant, but we were reminded of how at risk she is after I broke the Dublin-Derry record last year. Within 20minutes of this joyous moment, she was in A&E with suspected anaphylaxis. Thankfully she was fine after some care and an evening in hospital, but others are not as lucky.

Did you know that food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, posing a serious health risk? It's crucial to shine a spotlight on this issue and spread the word about organisations making a difference, like the Natasha Foundation and Red Sneakers for Oakley.

The Natasha Foundation was established in honor of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a vibrant teenager who tragically lost her life to a severe allergic reaction. Their mission is to raise awareness, improve education, and advocate for safer food choices, ensuring no family suffers a similar heartbreak. Let's support their efforts and help protect others from preventable allergies. ❤️

Another incredible organization, Red Sneakers for Oakley, is dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies and anaphylaxis. Inspired by Oakley Debbs, a courageous young boy who lost his life to a nut allergy, their aim is to provide vital information, support, and resources to keep kids and families safe.

Oakley loved wearing red sneakers, and his family chose this symbol to honor his memory and spread awareness about the importance of food allergy safety.

I’ll be forgoing the usual aero overshoes for this record attempt to keep my red cycling shoes on show throughout.

Red shoes as a reminder we need to improve food allergy awareness.

Red shoes as a conversation starter and an opportunity to educate others about food allergies, the precautions needed, and the need for increased awareness.

Red shoes to amplify the message that food allergies are real, they can be life-threatening, and we must foster a compassionate and inclusive society for those affected. ️

I hope this attempt will encourage others to learn, empathise, and consider the impact that food harmless to most of us can have on those with a food allergy.

I need no excuse to do some crazy bike ride, but I’ve set up this gofundme page to try make sure some good comes from my silliness. Please consider donating if you can.

Together, we can make a difference and protect lives.

#FoodAllergiesAwareness #NatashaFoundation #RedSneakersForOakley #SpreadTheWord #MakeADifference #AllergiesMatter #SupportEachOther