Benedict's Law: mum whose son died after an allergic reaction in school brings her campaign to Northern Ireland

A campaigning mum is calling for urgent intervention in Northern Ireland's schools - in a bid to better protect children with allergies

Helen Blythe whose five-year-old son Benedict sadly died after he suffered an allergic reaction at his school in England, has already met with MLAs across the political spectrum.

Now she wants to see Benedict's Law, named after her son, replicated in education settings throughout Northern Ireland.

Helen, who is the founder of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, said this was something that was desperately needed.

“No family should send their child to school wondering whether they will be safe in an allergy emergency," she said.

"Benedict’s Law is now moving forward in England, yet many children in Northern Ireland still do not have the same basic protections.

"Politicians here have been engaging positively, but children cannot wait indefinitely while reviews continue. Every school should have clear allergy policies, trained staff, and emergency medication available now.

"The Benedict Blythe Foundation is calling on Northern Ireland ministers to urgently meet campaigners and commit to implementing the principles of Benedict’s Law in Northern Ireland schools."

As part of the campaign Helen wants to see stronger safeguards in schools.

This includes:

mandatory allergy policies implemented

staff training

access to life-saving spare adrenaline pens

Helen now wants a meeting with Stormont's Education Minister Paul Givan.

In a statement, the Department of Education said: “The Department is aware of the current consultation in England to adopt the principles of Benedicts Law which would strengthen guidance for medication and allergies in schools.

"This will be considered when reviewing the current medication guidance, which includes allergies, applicable in Northern Ireland schools.”