Alex Ednan-Laperouse
My sister Natasha was always so courageous and up for any challenge. We were competitive with each other and being two years older than me, she would usually win. Her allergies were never an excuse for her not to do the best that she could. They never defined her; it was her bubbly, fun and caring personality that made everyone love her. I miss my big sister so much and I’m determined to help change allergy sufferer’s lives for the better which is what she would want me to do. Her death will not be in vain and I will give justice to her memory.
“I never thought the day would come where I would get a phone call from my dad telling me that my sister was going to die in a few minutes and that I had to say my last goodbye. Her death was preventable and I will work tirelessly towards safeguarding others from a similar fate.”
- Natasha’s Brother
Bethany Holloway
Natasha was my best friend, after years of seeing her struggle living with allergies, I watched her die from an allergic reaction and there was nothing I could do to help. So now I want to do everything I can to help the increasing number of people with allergies; if Natasha were still here, she would be passionately campaigning to do the same. Her drive to do good in the world and caring character was so inspiring. I am keen to see change in people’s perceptions and understanding of allergies in all age groups. I am currently studying a degree in Biology and am eager to learn more about the causes and treatment for allergies. I will do everything in my power to help this charity and make real difference in society.
“I will do everything in my power to help this charity find a cure and make real difference in society.”
- Natasha’s Best Friend
Jack Fowler
Jack was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy when he was aged 7. He has been actively involved in various campaigns around food allergies and anaphylaxis including the #Ready2React campaign, raising awareness of the importance of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors. He is also passionate about making young people feel more comfortable and confident to talk about their food allergies – something he wasn’t always able to do when he was younger. Since appearing on Love Island in 2018, he has gone on to forge a career in music as a DJ and producer. Although Jack’s food allergy doesn’t define him, his nut allergy shapes decision-making when it comes to touring and food safety.
“I am proud to be an ambassador for The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and support their important work raising more awareness and giving a voice to the millions of people in this country with food allergy.”
- DJ and Music Producer
Emma Turay
In 2018, my daughter Shanté Turay-Thomas tragically passed away at 18, from anaphylaxis just before her 19th birthday. Her sister Allysha and I were with her. The profound impact of her sudden death rippled through the lives of family, friends, and our community.
In 2019, I met Tanya and Nadim. Despite the raw pain of loss, our shared experiences drew us close. Alongside family and friends, Tanya and Nadim provided invaluable support during Shanté's inquest, where the coroner highlighted systemic failures which led to her preventable death. The coroner raised how disjointed Shanté’s medical care had been and the mistakes that were made that led to her death. Natasha’s Foundation and I launched the Allergy Tsar campaign in July 2021. The campaign aims to align primary care and hospital allergy services so that patients have a coherent NHS pathway, something my daughter did not.
“As an Ambassador for The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, I am honoured to contribute to this cause, inspired by Tanya and Nadim’s unwavering commitment despite their own tragedy. In memory of our daughters and all others who are living with allergic disease. Together, we aim to bring about long-overdue changes, because nothing can be more important than preventing hospitalisations and saving lives.”
- Allergy Parent and Allergy Tsar Campaigner
Kate Lancaster (aka The Dairy Free Mum)
Kate is a mum of two young children with diagnosed Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), and founder of the popular instagram page @thedairyfreemum. She shares her experiences, tips and advice as well as family-friendly dairy-free recipes with the hope of helping other allergy parents. Kate is passionate about raising allergy awareness, increasing much-needed support for those dealing with allergies, and has recently written a book called 'Feed Your Family Dairy Free' (published September 2024).
“I have been endlessly inspired by the incredible work The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation does. Despite enduring such tragedy, the positive impact Tanya and Nadim make through championing the voices of the allergy community and pioneering such groundbreaking research, is truly inspirational. I am honoured to be an Ambassador of such a fantastic cause that is so close to my heart.”
-Allergy Parent and Supporter
Maxine North
Tanya & Nadim reached out to me and my family when we lost our beautiful daughter Jess in May 2021 due to anaphylaxis. She was twenty years of age. I am eternally grateful for their ongoing support, not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Without them, I really do not know what life would look like for me today. I began fundraising for the charity in June 2022 and have continued to do so ever since. This is in the hope that one day, research will eradicate allergies and needless deaths for all sufferers, and provide comfort in the knowledge that Jess, Natasha, and many others did not die in vain.
“There is not a minute, an hour or a day that goes by where I don’t think of what could have been and should have been for our beautiful girl. I will continue to move forward, raise awareness and funds for Natasha’s Foundation, keeping Jess’s memory alive today and in the future, and to one day be walking beside her.”
- Allergy Parent and Supporter
Billie Hoque
As a new allergy mum, I was left frightened and isolated by the lack of knowledge among medical professionals to keep my baby safe. It emphasised the urgent need for greater education and awareness in the medical field and society. That's when I discovered Natasha's Foundation – a beacon of support and understanding.
Natasha's Foundation became my lifeline, connecting me with a network of individuals who shared similar challenges. Through their resources and support, I gained valuable knowledge, insight, and comfort. The foundation's unwavering dedication to helping allergy sufferers and their families inspired me to act and fight for positive changes in my son's life particularly how the mental and physical health of allergy sufferers was dealt with at school.
“Inspired by the strength of Tanya and Nadim, I am determined to use my experiences to empower and help other parents who find themselves thrust into the world of allergy management. I want to be a part of helping Natasha’s Foundation ensure every child is protected and that no family feels alone in this journey.”
- Allergy Parent and Supporter
Professor Helen A Brough
Professor Helen Brough is a consultant in Paediatric Allergy and Immunology at the Evelina Children’s Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, which runs the largest NHS allergy service in the UK. She is also a Professor of Paediatric Allergy at King’s College London, and founder and director of the private clinic Children’s Allergy Doctors. Professor Brough is President of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Allergy and Immunology section and former chair of the paediatric section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). Her research interests include food allergies and eczema.
‘I feel incredibly honoured to serve as the Medical Advisor for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, actively contributing to their vital work in improving awareness, education, policy, and research for individuals and families affected by food allergies. Their unwavering dedication to this cause deeply resonates with me, and I am privileged to wholeheartedly support their mission.'
-Professor of Paediatric Allergy
Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East
Rebecca Gittins is a British Labour Party politician who has been a Member of Parliament for Clwyd East since 2024.
‘Having a diagnosed nut allergy myself from the age of seven which can trigger anaphylaxis and also an allergy to legumes, I know how important it is to raise awareness of food allergies. I am delighted to be a Parliamentary Ambassador for The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and support the important work they are doing. I will be using my position as an MP to raise the issue of allergies and food allergies in Parliament, to give the millions of people living with allergies a voice.’
-Parliamentary Ambassador
Gloria Hunniford
Gloria has been a famous face on TV and a much loved voice on the radio since the early ‘80s. Her most recent work for the BBC and ITV has included presenting Rip Off Britain, This Morning and The One Show. She lost her beloved daughter, Caron Keating in April 2004 to breast cancer aged just 41 and she is the founder of the Caron Keating Foundation.
“Having interviewed Tanya and Nadim for television on a number of occasions, about the tragic loss of their precious daughter Natasha, I know how important it is for them to do something truly positive against the negativity of losing their only daughter in a way which could have been totally avoided.
I also know they can make a huge difference in this country to the lives of many people through this really important foundation and the education and force within it.”
- TV and Radio Presenter
Claudia Liza Armah
Claudia has over 15 years journalism experience and is currently the face of Channel 5 News Tonight. She has worked in live broadcasting with some of the UK’s biggest television channels including Sky News, BBC, ITV and of course Channel 5. As the main anchor on 5 news Tonight she cover some of the biggest and topical stories with discussion, debate and in-depth interviews with political leaders and those at the centre of major events. In addition, she regularly covers the anchor role of 5 News at 5 and Jeremy Vine (formerly The Wright Stuff), leading discussions on a variety of topical issues.
“I hope to bring my years of experience as a journalist working in the media to raise awareness of those living with allergies and work to improve the nation’s understanding of why they must be taken seriously. However, the true honour is being able to call Tanya and Nadim friends - and I pray that I play a part in ensuring a fitting and lasting legacy for their beautiful, kind and dear Natasha.”
- Channel 5 Newsreader