Sammie's Story

As a busy working mum of four, Sammie Martin, 34, adds being alert for allergens to her daily ‘To Do’ list.

Sammie, who works as a nursery practitioner, was 12 when an allergy to a tree nut became apparent. It was Christmas and her mum suggested she tasted something which contained nuts – and the reaction was immediate with her lip, tongue and throat all swelling.

“Apart from feeling poorly, I also remember thinking how odd it was,” says Sammie. “I could eat peanuts without a problem – and it didn’t occur to any of us that tree nuts and ground nuts could be different. It still confuses people to this day.

“I now wish that more people knew the difference between the types of nuts because it can be hard to explain to someone that I can’t have a single walnut, but peanut butter is fine.

“In my 20s, I went to a new GP who offered testing, and I found out that I’m allergic to hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and macadamia nuts. I am on the alert when I dine out or eat in unfamiliar surroundings, especially at Christmas when these nuts are heavily used. I think I should have been given the chance to find this out sooner.

“I don’t let it take over my life, but I am cautious. I steer clear of many new products and stick to certain brands that I know well. I avoid chocolate or caramel desserts rather than get into lengthy discussions about ingredients.”

“Looking back, I wish that I knew more about my rights with regards to allergy.

“At the time of diagnosis, I was given an EpiPen in case I had another reaction but no further support or an offer of a review. It was only in my 20s when I went back to a different GP that I was offered proper testing which revealed the extent of my allergies.

“I also wish I had better knowledge of the law around food labelling laws. Once, at a hotel when I had a reaction, the allergen had been marked in incredibly small print which ticked the box for the hotel but not for me.

I wish I learned how to be more assertive earlier in life, for example, asking for freshly made product or a new carton of a product to be opened when buying something.”