An inquiry at Peterborough Town Hall has revealed the circumstances surrounding the tragic passing of Stamford, Lincolnshire resident Benedict Blythe, aged five. The young boy, who had a severe milk allergy, collapsed at Barnack Primary School, and was officially pronounced dead at Peterborough City Hospital on 1 December 2021.
Dr Shuaib Nasser, an allergy and asthma specialist, explained to the inquest that Benedict’s allergy to cow’s milk was exceptionally severe and the sole food allergy he had that could provoke a potentially lethal reaction. Dr Nasser, who was Benedict’s doctor from an early age, characterised his condition as one leading to extreme reactions, which were further worsened by a concurrent condition of ‘uncontrolled asthma’.
On the day of Benedict’s death, his mother Helen had allowed him to go to school because she believed he was in good health, having kept him at home the previous day due to an illness. Benedict’s health appeared to quickly deteriorate after eating a homemade gingerbread biscuit during the morning break.
An adrenaline pen was used on him but unfortunately, it was too late to avert his death, which was caused by food-induced anaphylaxis.
The public examination is ongoing, with its focus shifting to scrutinise the measures and procedures in place for his allergy management.
This article was reworked by The Lincoln Post, based on the original reporting done by www.bbc.com.
