TWO mums whose children suffer from severe allergies have got together to start a support group for other families in the same situation.

Lisa Davies and Sarah Kent from Brinkworth both discovered their sons had anaphylaxis when they came into contact with peanuts as tiny children.

The condition is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to insect stings and drugs as well as certain foods like nuts and shellfish. It is thought to cause 20 deaths a year and was responsible for 20,000 hospital admissions between 2013 and 2014.

Lisa said “My first experience with severe allergy was about six years ago when my then two-year-old had an anaphylactic attack after being exposed to peanuts.

“Fortunately, all was well, and we have only had one blue light incident since! My son now carries two EpiPens at all time and we are always vigilant around nuts and peanuts.”

She said she wanted to start a support group because she knew how lonely it could be having a small child with the condition. Going to nursery, starting school, even visiting friends could be a minefield.

“I hope that some of my experience could help support others starting out on their allergy journey.

“Being around others in a similar situation is very supporting, and really does help with perspective, as well as sharing tips and advice. Taking your child out with other families who have the same issues and knowing they will be safe and still able to eat the cake is a joy.”

Sarah said “Two of my three boys have food and non-food allergies. My middle son has a severe allergy to peanuts, which we discovered almost four years ago, when he was exposed to peanut butter aged two.

“Luckily, due to my older son’s allergy to sesame, we immediately spotted the signs and called 999. My son required adrenaline and was admitted, fortunately all was well.

“We now carry two EpiPens at all times and have to be really careful around peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds.”

She added: “When Lisa asked me if I wanted to help start a support group, I was really keen. I remember when my son was first diagnosed, all new situations felt really tricky, such as going on holiday, school dinners, and birthday parties.“ Getting parents together was a good way of sharing experiences and handy hints, whether their children had been recently diagnosed or not.

The Swindon group is being run with the backing of the Anaphylaxis Campaign.

Its chief executive, Lynne Regent, said: “It’s brilliant that Lisa and Sarah have decided to run a support group for us in Swindon. Many people in the general population do not understand just how serious allergy and anaphylaxis can be.”

The meeting at Brinkworth Village Hall starts at 7.30pm.

Email sarahkent76@googlemail.com or mrs_lisa_davies@yahoo.co.uk for more information.