School can be ‘life or death’ for this Havant youngster because of his allergies

The youngster from Havant has an array of allergies including wheat, eggs and nuts which means every day he packs his bag for school with pencils, books and EpiPens.

Jake said: ‘It is quite difficult and I have to be careful. A lot of people don’t understand allergies.’

In a bid to help his classmates understand the seriousness of allergies and anaphylaxis, Jake organised an awareness day at his school, Warren Park Primary in Havant.

Mum Vicki said: ‘I am so proud of him for wanting to help people understand more because I think that is the problem.

‘People don’t take allergies seriously enough and recently there has been quite a few stories in the media that really shows the worst that can happen.’

Jake’s school has become an allergy aware school and encourages children, parents and staff not to bring in nut products.

Vicki said: ‘The school has been amazing but there has been some negativity from a few parents who have complained.

‘It is frustrating because we don’t want special treatment but Jake needs it because it really is a life or death matter for him.’

Deputy headteacher Lynne Lofting added: ‘We make sure all our school meals are nut free and we go as far as not buying almond hand wash for the staff toilets just in case it comes into contact with Jake.

‘I hope with all the leaflets that Jake has been handing out and the talks teachers have been having in classrooms will help the pupils.’

Jake’s allergies started when he was born.

Vicki, who is a lunchtime supervisor at Warren Park, said: ‘He had eczema just a few weeks after he was born and it was uncontrollable. Then when we tried weaning him he would cry and scream.

‘We had to be careful after that for wheat and eggs. Then when he was at school they were feeding the bird with seeds and nuts when he had a really bad reaction. Since then he has only had a few reactions but it is a constant worry.

‘We can’t go on aeroplanes in case passengers have peanuts and we have to be careful in restaurants and at play areas. I hope people get a better understanding of just how much allergies can affect lives.’