Dangers Hiding in the Shadows
How can I put into words the feelings of apprehension I felt because I didn't know exactly what a new day would bring? Would I see the dangers hiding in the shadows, catch them in time? Would I be looking in all the right places, or would I miss something important?
I remember it was a beautiful spring day when we went for a walk in our local park. It was late March and the cherry blossom was in flower on the trees. Natasha was running ahead in excitement, glad to have been released from the confines of her pushchair. Her toddler joy was contagious. She was laughing and shouting as we chased her, letting her outrun us at every turn. She was a victorious winner, her toddler competitiveness on full show.
As we continued on our walk, we came across a young cherry tree that was covered in big powder-puffs of white blossom flowers. We stood in front of it, in awe. Even Natasha was mesmerised by its beauty against the blue sky. Not even a wisp of wind could be felt - everything was still.
Natasha intrigued, walked under the tree and looked up to get another view of the blossom. Her dad wanting to make it even more special, gave the young tree a shake and white blossom petals started to fall all around her. She screamed in delight, trying to catch the petals. They looked just like snowflakes as they landed on her coat and in her hair.
It happened so fast…
Seconds later, Natasha stopped in her tracks as she struggled to breathe. A huge asthma attack appeared so suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere that for a split second, it was difficult to register. We immediately took her to A&E - she was so poorly they kept her in hospital for three days before they felt she was strong enough to go home with a prescription for steroids.
Every year between March and May, for those three months, she would require a dose of antihistamine every morning and again in the afternoon. To miss a dose was to invite an asthma attack. We were only ever prescribed Piriton for her and it always made her very sleepy. She struggled in those months, particularly at school and was irritable and not herself.
Spring had up until then always been my favourite month in the year. But now I dreaded its arrival and couldn't wait for it to leave. Only then could I relax a little - one danger less to worry about. Even now, five whole years since her death, I continue to dislike these months. I watch the cherry blossom bud on the trees and then go into full flower. I sigh with relief and am glad when the petals scatter onto the ground, where they are trampled underfoot and finally washed away by the rain.
Tanya
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse.
Tanya's daughter Natasha tragically died in 2016 following a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds that were undeclared on a food label. You can read Natasha’s story here. Her high-profile inquest in 2018 was reported and followed around the world. The coroner’s hard-hitting conclusion that her death was preventable incensed our nation.
Tanya and her husband Nadim founded the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in the wake of Natasha’s death determined that no other family should have to suffer the same devastating and unnecessary loss that they did. Together with their son, Alex, they campaigned for Natasha’s Law which came into force in October 2021.
Today, Nadim and Tanya are Trustees of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, giving a voice to the 2-3 million people in the UK living with food allergy. With a vision of making allergy history, Natasha’s Foundation is the only UK charity dedicated to funding allergy medical research to prevent and eradicate allergic disease, starting with food allergy. The Foundation works to increase awareness and education about the dangers of food allergy and campaigns for policy change to create a world that is safe for all individuals living with allergies.
