Libby's Story

Libby Evans, aged 23, graduated this year from university with a multimedia and journalism degree. She has a severe peanut allergy – discovered when she was three years old and a peanut butter snack resulted in a dash to hospital.   

Libby says: “My face swelled up almost immediately and I said, ‘Mummy, I don’t feel well.’ I was scared. 

“From then on, my parents were vigilant although, over time, I learned to self-manage. It wasn’t always easy – on a school trip to France, my teachers basically only let me eat salad for a week. They were obviously worried – but that made ME more worried.  

“I was determined that my allergy wouldn’t hold me back. I’ve travelled the world and make sure I am well prepared – writing down my allergies in the local language and always carrying an auto adrenaline injector.  

 “I feel lucky if I meet another person who has allergies – we can help each other. Peer support is so helpful. 

“I had to manage my allergy through my university years and sometimes it was difficult to navigate friendships in a shared student house and kitchen when my allergy wasn’t always taken seriously. 

“I’m also interested in airlines and travel. I always contact airlines before travelling and have had a very mixed response. I’ve been offered a peanut curry on a flight and, another time, I was given a mask and blanket for my head.  

“On one flight when they announced that it would be peanut-free, a large group of men near me laughed and talked about throwing peanuts around the plane. It was very intimidating. 

“The bottom line is that people can manage a few hours without eating nuts – but it could be a matter of life and death for someone with a severe allergy.” 

Libby writes about travelling with an allergy on Instagram – @Libby_journalist