Anaphylaxis UK takes allergy training to the Isle of Man 

From 1st to 3rd July, Anaphylaxis UK carried out an impactful visit to the Isle of Man, delivering a series of tailored allergy awareness and training sessions to communities, schools, and healthcare professionals.  

With over 140 individuals trained – not including school students – the visit marked a major milestone in allergy education and awareness across the island. 

The three-day visit was coordinated by paediatric nurse Donna Colligon, who leads allergy care and training across all Manx schools and played a pivotal role in making the visit a success.  

Tracey Dunn, Anaphylaxis UK’s Education and AllergyWise® Manager, led the training sessions, drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience of the education system and experience of parenting a child with serious allergies. 

Thanks to the generous support of James and Suzanne Greenhalgh – whose fundraising made the trip possible – and the team at Noble’s Hospital who provided a venue free of charge, Anaphylaxis UK was able to deliver 10 tailored sessions. 

Empowering the Isle of Man 

The training and awareness sessions reached a broad cross-section of the Manx community: 

• Healthcare professionals, including paediatric doctors and nurses, school nurses, health visitors, paediatric dietitians, radiographers, and even hospital housekeeping and ward staff. 

• Education professionals and volunteers such as childminders, Brownie and Rainbow leaders, and teachers from Ballacottier and Ballaugh Primary Schools and QE2 Secondary School. 

• Students and young people, with tailored sessions focused on fostering responsibility and confidence in managing their own allergies. 

The impact was immediate and heartfelt. One parent shared: 

“Thanks so much for organising—it was a really useful session. Despite some of it being quite hard (the video in particular), it is so important the kids are fully aware of all the dangers and consequences and how to stay safe.” 

Another attendee said: 

“So good to have a refresher on this stuff, and definitely useful for [my daughter] to hear the important things she needs to think about as a teen/almost adult. Love the useful tips on the Jext app too, especially as we’re about to head off on holiday.” 

The trip also included a local media interview on Manx Radio, helping to spread the message even further across the island. 

Continuing the mission 

At Anaphylaxis UK, we believe that a whole school approach is the key to keeping children and young people with serious allergies safe. This visit to the Isle of Man was a shining example of what can be achieved when healthcare professionals, educators, families, and charities work together. 

Returning from the trip, Tracey said: 

“It was brilliant to be able to work with members of the Manx community who previously have been unable to access training regarding allergy and anaphylaxis creating a safer island for all those living with allergy.  I’m very grateful to Donna for her hard work in arranging this visit and to James and Suzanne for making this possible.  It would be wonderful to return to the island at some point to continue the work of raising awareness.” 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Donna, the Greenhalgh family, Noble’s Hospital, and everyone who participated in the sessions. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for people affected by serious allergies.