19/08/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AvaXbrvgG/
This is another reason why the new law has come into force for all childcare settings, to not only carry AAIs, but also to jave hands on physical training for all staff so they can build muscle memory and be confident in using them when needed. For more info on my 1hr training course that makes your workplace compliant get in touch
On the 19th of August 2018, Sadie suffered an irreversible anaphylactic shock. We were out celebrating our youngest daughter’s first birthday on a family picnic.
I had stopped in Aldi to pick up the usual bits and bobs, all foods Sadie had consumed before. We arrived at our location, Whitstable Castle, and I prepared her food first, a simple roll with ham. She had been playing in the park with her cousins and sister and came over for her food first. Nobody else had eaten that day apart from me.
Shortly after, she complained of an itchy mouth. We followed our usual procedure and gave her antihistamine, but shortly after that she started to cough. From our previous experiences with Sadie, we knew that this could escalate quickly and decided to take her to the local accident and emergency centre to make sure she had the appropriate oxygen and medical care.
From our previous experiences with ambulances, they sometimes take a while and we were scared. We drove her to the medical centre. Stewart sat in the back and administered her EpiPen. When we arrived, I carried her in and told them she was suffering from anaphylaxis and we needed emergency oxygen. They took us into a room.
She was transported to Margate Hospital and then airlifted to St George’s in London. Whilst I flew in the helicopter, I was talking to her, describing what we could see.
It took hours for the doctors to communicate what was going on with her whilst I waited for my best friend to arrive.
Once my best friend had arrived, the doctors explained the situation. It was at that point they suggested I call home to get the family to the hospital to say their goodbyes.
The next few days we prepared our goodbyes and spent as much time with her as possible while we waited for the go-ahead to give her organs to others who were in need.
Every memory is etched in my brain, irreversible.
Losing Sadie changed our lives forever. I can’t change what happened that day, but I can make sure her memory counts beyond her friends, family and everyone who loved her.
Through the Sadie Bristow Foundation, her huge empathy and love for people carries on, helping other children and families and hopefully making a difference to their lives. It means something positive can continue to grow from the incredible person she was.
That is her legacy.
Clare, Sadie’s mum
UPDATE: We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, share and respond to Clare’s post about Sadie.
The response has been incredible. We have been so touched by the kindness shown and the personal stories people have shared. It’s also incredibly encouraging to see so many conversations taking place around allergies, anaphylaxis and the importance of greater awareness.
We’ve seen lots of thoughtful questions from people wanting to understand more about what happened that day and about anaphylaxis more widely.
Clare has recorded a video answering many of those questions and sharing some further context, which we’ll be sharing shortly.
In the meantime, please know that we are reading your comments and are incredibly grateful for every message, even though we may not be able to reply to everyone individually.
Thank you for helping us share Sadie’s story and continue raising awareness in her name.
