Bolton man to run the London Marathon to raise awareness of this condition
A Bolton man is gearing up to run the London Marathon to raise awareness of a potentially life-threatening condition he has had since being only a few months old.
Adam Fear, 35, a recruitment manager, will take on the 26.2-mile challenge on Sunday, April 27, on the final day of Allergy Awareness Week 2025.
For Mr Fear, who lives with multiple allergies, running the London Marathon has been a life goal.
Adam is allergic to all types of nuts with the risk of anaphylaxis (a very severe reaction).
He also has allergies to cats, dogs, and other animals, plus hay fever.
Mr Fear said: "I have lived with allergies all my life - I was only a few months old when the problems started.
"At first, my parents took charge of everything but of course I then learned to self-manage.
"I am very careful, but it can be stressful - and allergies aren't always taken seriously.
"I've been offered food with nuts, given coffee with almond milk when I can't have it, and even had someone eat nuts at my desk while hot-desking.
"It's not just inconvenient; it's a constant reminder of the potential dangers of accidental exposure.
"It can affect your self-confidence at times, but I've learned to do what's right for me."
As part of Allergy Awareness Week, Allergy UK will be highlighting three important facts about allergies: they can develop at any age, they can exacerbate other health conditions (such as asthma), and getting an allergy diagnosis is crucial for accessing the right care and support.
The week also marks the start of Allergy UK's new campaign "I Wish I Knew...", which aims to raise awareness about the many things people may not know about allergic disease.
Mr Fear added: "I'm really happy to - finally - have a place in the London Marathon, after trying through the ballot for seven years!
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"I have completed one marathon previously and a couple of half marathons and 10Ks.
"My training is going very well.
"I am hoping for a very ambitious personal best time of under four hours - which will be a huge one hour faster than my previous marathon!"
Simone Miles, chief executive at Allergy UK, said: "Our much-needed work wouldn't be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers.
"It's inspiring to hear about Adam's efforts on our behalf.
"We're very grateful to Adam for his commitment and glad to hear that training is going well.
"The money raised will help fund services which address the unmet need felt by so many in the allergy community in relation to seeking clinical advice, psychological support, and information on their rights on living with an allergy."
Mr Fear has set up a fundraising page for donations at justgiving.com/page/adam-fear-londonmarathon25.
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