Alumnus becomes first-ever Anaphylaxis Campaign youth ambassador
Graphic Design alumnus Daniel Kelly announced as the first-ever Anaphylaxis Campaign youth ambassador
Daniel first became involved with the Anaphylaxis Campaign by attending one of their teen activity days in the Lake District 14 years ago.
Anaphylaxis is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction which occurs when someone is exposed to an allergen. Reactions usually take place within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to two-three hours later. It is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.
Daniel was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy at age five, he has used his experience of growing up with an allergy to launch a blog which helps young people to feel more confident when it comes to managing their allergies. With Daniel's help, the Anaphylaxis Campaign will be able to respond to the increasing demand for support for young people aged 11-17 years.
"Attending one of the Anaphylaxis Campaign teen activity days was the first time I didn't feel alone, I met other teenagers my age living with severe allergies.
I'm grateful to work alongside the Anaphylaxis Campaign as their first-ever youth ambassador. I'm proud to be working with such an incredible charity, which taught me during my teenage years to embrace my allergy. I'm looking forward to working alongside teenagers growing up with severe allergies over the coming months."
Daniel Kelly, the first-ever youth ambassador for Anaphylaxis Campaign
Daniel Kelly's video about his new role as youth ambassador for Anaphylaxis Campaign.
During his final year of Graphic Design in 2015, Daniel designed a food allergy magazine to raise awareness for anaphylaxis and other allergies. The magazine was created for his final major project at University, the aim of the magazine was to take the EpiPen®* out of a purely medical context and into a lifestyle context so it was more engaging for 18-25-year-olds.
Daniel has since set up 'May Contain' with the aim of breaking the stigma around allergies. In his podcast, Daniel discusses a range of topics, from dating with severe allergies to going abroad and also welcomes a host of guests from the allergy blogging community to make allergies more relatable.
Daniel opens up about topics such as his first ever allergic reaction, anxiety around having a severe nut allergy, eating in restaurants and travelling on trains and planes. He also encourages and empowers people to alert others about their allergies in public places.
Daniel Kelly holding his food allergy magazine to raise awareness for anaphylaxis.Young people are frequently recognised as being the most at risk of anaphylaxis due to a decrease in parental support as they reach adulthood, increased risk-taking as they experiment with new foods and travel alone or with friends, as well as a reluctance to share information or carry their adrenaline auto-injectors - the life-saving medication used to treat anaphylaxis.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign was formed in 1994 by Honorary Vice-President David Reading after his 17-year-old daughter Sarah sadly passed away following an allergic reaction to peanuts. The Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk from severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, with the aim of becoming the 'go-to' charity for young people living with severe allergies across the UK.
Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said "It is wonderful to finally launch Dan as our youth ambassador, not only as he brings first-hand experience of growing up with allergies, but also his ability to engage with young people and reach this audience on their level. His following on social media is a testament to his fantastic insight and understanding of others as well as his passion for bringing severe allergies into the conversation and removing the stigma that surrounds them."
Find out more about the Campaign's work with young people and allergies at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk.
Daniel at a teen activity day organised by Anaphylaxis Campaign.