Pupils, staff and parents at Burnham-On-Sea Infant School are benefiting from a piece of life-saving medical equipment donated by Unity Holidays.
The company, which owns Unity Beach in Brean, has purchased an Anaphylaxis Kitt from Kitt Medical that contains two adrenaline pens for adults and two for children.
Costing just under £1,000, the kits were first manufactured in 2023 and since then have saved more than 34 lives. Approximately 20% of the UK’s population are effect by allergies that can lead to a severe reaction requiring treatment from such medication.
Described as ‘like a defibrillator for allergies’, the kits treats anyone suffering a severe allergic reaction when administered by someone that has received the required training.
Garry Haines, head of health, safety and security at Unity Beach, is a parent governor at the school, and many of his colleagues at the Brean family park also have children that go there.
“As far as we know, no other local school as yet have these kits in place as the law was only recently passed,” Garry explained.
“I first learned about the kits on Dragons’ Den where they were backed by Deborah Meaden, who herself was born and raised in Somerset.”
“Then purely by chance I read an article regarding a little boy called Benedict, who tragically passed away at school due an allergic reaction.”
“His parents fought to pass ‘Benedict’s Law’, which says every school should have these pens and have trained teachers to recognize an incident and administer lifesaving medication.“
“That law is due to come into force by September this year, and Unity Beach wanted to make sure a school that we have strong links with had one straight away without having to worry about the financial implications.”
Carly Hatch, Headteacher at Burnham-on-Sea Infants School, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Unity Holidays for their generous donation of a life-saving anaphylaxis kit.”
“This thoughtful contribution will play a vital role in helping us respond quickly and effectively in the event of a severe allergic reaction, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our school community.”
“On behalf of all our staff, pupils, and families, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for this important support.”
Unity Beach will also have two of the kits on their resort, one of which will stay in a patrol vehicle to enable a fast response should an emergency arise.
Pictured: Unity Holidays’ head of health, safety and security, Garry Haines (left), hands over the Anaphylaxis Kitt from Kitt Medical to Burnham-On-Sea Infant School headteacher Carly Hatch and some of her pupils.
