Helen Evans-Howells

Despite having various allergies myself, it never dawned on me that this might pose a genetic risk to my children. When my first son was born 14 years ago and diagnosed with food allergy, I realised that despite being a doctor, I knew very little. I realise in retrospect that I was given very little about how to look after him and keep him safe and when he had anaphylaxis, I did not even recognise the symptoms. In fact, I actually told him off as I thought he was being silly! Although I thought that I was quite chilled about his allergies, in retrospect, clearly I wasn't as I went back to university, completed a masters in allergy and retrained to be an allergy specialist!

I have worked in a specialist allergy centre for five years alongside being a GP. I understand better than most, how the systems join together to help patients get the right care. I lecture internationally to healthcare and patients, trying to improve allergy awareness.

I have previously been the chair of the primary care section of the British Society of Allergy and with them campaigned to have allergy finally added to the GP curriculum. I am now a trustee for Anaphylaxis UK and the Chair of their Clinical and Scientific Panels. I have been involved in national campaigns about anaphylaxis including recently with the Medicines Health Regulatory Authority. I have appeared on TV and Radio talking about allergies.

I am passionate about ensuring families and patients access accurate information on line. I have a free Facebook Support Group where I regularly provide information and support as well as a Membership with expert speakers and weekly lives. We have recently launched and delivered our first ever Allergy Help Course for parents - covering a range of topics including medical support, dietetic information and psychological support. 20% of our profits have been given to Anaphylaxis UK and the Sadie Bristow Foundation - two charities close to my heart. 20% of expert speaker events also goes to these charities. We have also developed a short course for hayfever sufferers- helping them to transform their lives.

I still work for the NHS as a GP but also run a private allergy clinic for adults and children based in Poole ( but also I offer online consultations. I also help to run the specialised peanut immunotherapy (desensitisation) clinic in Southampton Children's Hospital.

Finally, in between all of this - I have 3 biological children and 2 step children (4 at home full time - 14,14,11 and 8). I spend my days juggling work and their needs and am hugely supported by my husband who helps me run our business.

I find families are drawn to me as I explain allergy in a way which anyone can understand and of course, I understand fully what their fears and worries are because I have lived this life myself. Thankfully my son has now outgrown his food allergies but he still has asthma and environmental allergies, as does my eldest daughter, whilst my little one has eczema. Eczema and allergies are a hugely misunderstood and under-represented area of healthcare. The impact on someone's life is immense and I continue to work hard to raise the profile of allergies to ensure that care can be improved.