Leo was born on 14 October 1992 and grew up as a fit, active young man who loved football, rugby and the outdoors. Although he had asthma as a child, there was no indication that he was living with a serious allergy until he was 20 years old.
During a work curry night, Leo suddenly became unwell and collapsed. Tests later revealed he had a nut allergy, specifically to almonds, and he was prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). A second reaction six months later, after accidentally consuming a protein drink containing peanuts, reminded everyone the seriousness of his allergies.
For the next 13 years, Leo carefully avoided nuts and peanuts and experienced no further reactions.
In April this year, Leo travelled to Gran Canaria with his partner and eight-year-old daughter for a family holiday. While there, he suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating paella from the hotel buffet and went into anaphylactic shock. He was airlifted to hospital.
His family travelled to be by his bedside, hoping for recovery. Tragically, tests confirmed that Leo had suffered catastrophic brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen following the reaction. Just days after setting off on holiday, Leo died on 13 April, aged 33.
Reflecting on their loss, Leo’s family believe that after so many years without a reaction, he had stopped carrying his adrenaline auto-injectors.
His parents, Ray and Fran, and brother Nick, are now sharing his story to help prevent other families experiencing the same heartbreak.
“Leo’s death has left a massive hole in our lives. We miss him every day, and his daughter will grow up missing so many wonderful times they could have shared together.”
The family are supporting Allergy UK incorporating Anaphylaxis UK in Leo’s memory to raise awareness of serious allergies, the importance of always carrying prescribed adrenaline devices, and the need for greater understanding of anaphylaxis.
Leo loved spending time with his family at their caravan in Wales and looked forward to returning there this year. By sharing his story, his family hope that others will never underestimate the seriousness of an allergic reaction and will take steps that could one day save a life.
We are incredibly grateful to Ray, Fran and Nick for sharing Leo’s story. Their courage and determination to raise awareness in Leo’s memory will help educate others about the realities of serious allergies and anaphylaxis.
A heartfelt thanks to loved ones who have generously raised £645 in aid of Allergy UK incorporating Anaphylaxis UK in Leo’s memory.