Hi, I’m Nikki, a mum of three from Hertfordshire. My eldest daughter was diagnosed with food allergies after a frightening reaction at just nine months old, so I understand first-hand the planning, vigilance and advocacy that allergy families live with every day.
Like many parents, I’ve felt the fear, worry and occasional urge to wrap my child in bubble wrap! I’ve also shared the frustration when restaurants or airlines you expect to have allergy procedures simply can’t (or won’t) cater safely. But we’ve celebrated milestones too, met some wonderful people, and I’ve always tried to make sure allergies don’t mean my daughter misses out. If there’s a safe solution, I’ll do my best to find it.
We love to travel, and I’ve been known to pack a frying pan for the Jordanian desert, post snack parcels ahead for an Italian rail adventure, and even plan a Moroccan cookery course so we could safely make local pastries. If you’ve cracked travelling around mainland Asia with a sesame allergy, I’d genuinely love to hear your secrets!
I’m proud to volunteer with Allergy UK incorporating Anaphylaxis UK and look forward to meeting other allergy families. I hope our support groups offer a friendly space to share experiences, swap ideas and remind each other that none of us has to face the allergy journey alone.