TWO mums from Brinkworth whose children suffer from severe allergies have started a support group for families in the same situation.

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

The condition is a 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 every year and was responsible for 20,000 hospital admissions between 2013 and 2014.

Lisa spoke out about her first experience with severe allergy. She said: “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,” she continued.

“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 added: “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.

“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.”

Anyone interested in joining the support group should email sarahkent76@googlemail.com or mrs_lisa_davies@yahoo.co.uk