A GROUP of Barry scouts are preparing to embark on a four-hour hike raising funds for and awareness about a food allergy affecting one of their troop.

23 of the 2nd/4th Barry scouts will step up in support of 11-year-old scout Elle-Marie Avaient and another member, who have been diagnosed with a peanut/tree nut and lupin flour allergy. The hike will be held as part of the Anaphylaxis campaign’s 5th annual orange wig day on Friday, May 15.

Palmerston Primary pupil Elle-Marie’s life can be threatened by contact with peanuts and she was rushed to hospital at the age of five.

Mum Lisa Marie is the Baloo Cub scout leader of 2nd/4th Barry and the whole Witchell community centre-based group, aged seven to 10, has learned all about the issue through contact with their food allergy-suffering friends.

Lisa Marie, 31, of Barry, said: “We want to help people understand allergies and anaphylaxis and know that if a person is allergic to a food like nuts/peanuts it’s not just a case of not eating a nut or peanut it’s more complex than that. Many foods contain nuts or peanuts without you even realising. We have to read every single label on every food item, toiletries and even cleaning items. Elle-Marie can suffer anaphylaxis just by touching item containing nuts, having contact with a person who has consumed nuts/peanuts - holding hands, kissing, touching door handles, play equipment. We do not eat foods stating “may contain nuts” as this is a bit like playing Russian roulette.

“Elle-Marie was diagnosed with a peanut/tree nut/ lupin flour allergy when she was two years old. She suffered anaphylaxis after licking peanut butter off a piece of bread.

“Elle-Marie had a further reaction when she was 5 years old; she had touched a surface where peanuts had been spilled. This resulted in an emergency 999 ambulance trip to the hospital.

“Elle-Marie carries epipens with her everywhere she goes.

“We are hoping that other people will have a better understanding of allergies and anaphylaxis.

“The cubs have found it very interesting looking in to allergies and anaphylaxis and were very intrigued by the epipens. They have all done a first aid course and are all aware of how to administer an epipen and recognise the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.”

Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction where the whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the substance with causes the allergic reaction (allergen) but sometimes after hours.

Common causes include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.

Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex, penicillin or any other drug or injection.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include generalised flushing of the skin, nettle rash hives anywhere on the body, swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty in swallowing or speaking, alterations in heart rate, severe asthma, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a sudden feeling of weakness or drop in blood pressure, and collapse and unconsciousness.

Adrenaline auto-injectors (epipen) are prescribed for those believed to be at risk.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and help to stop swelling around the face and lips.

Anyone who has suffered a bad allergic reaction in the past, whatever the cause, can have future severe reactions.

For information, visit www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

Raffle tickets are available to purchase from All about you salon or call Lisa on 07775 028752.

Sponsor the scouts online at JustGiving Lisa Marie Avaient or at All About You Hair and Beauty, Holton Road, Barry.