“Don’t Hesitate”: Eight-Year-Old’s Life Saved After Severe Allergic Reaction at School
PRESS RELEASE – Raglan VC Primary School, Raglan, Wales, UK – December 19th 2025
An eight-year-old boy was attending an after-school club when a simple mistake turned into a life‑threatening emergency. Given a biscuit that was mistakenly believed to be ‘free from’, the boy was unknowingly exposed to milk – one of his known allergens – triggering a severe anaphylactic reaction.
The boy, who has multiple serious food allergies, initially appeared itchy. Staff treated him with antihistamines, but his symptoms did not improve. When the food he had eaten was checked, the error became clear.
“I was told they were unsure whether to use an adrenaline pen,” Jessica Moore, the boy’s mum, explained. “Given his history of severe, near‑fatal reactions, I said: don’t hesitate.”
The school staff administered the boy’s prescribed adrenaline pen, which seemed to slightly alleviate his symptoms – but more was needed.
When Jess arrived at the school shortly after the first pen was administered, the young boy was covered in hives, his face was swollen and his voice had changed – a worrying sign. Jess administered his second adrenaline pen - but it seemed that this one failed to fully deliver the dose.
“That moment was terrifying,” Jess said. “But what mattered was that the adults around him acted, didn’t freeze, and knew where to go next.”
Staff rushed to retrieved the school’s Anaphylaxis Kitt, supplied by UK‑based company Kitt Medical. The Kitt contains spare adrenaline pens and provides clear guidance for use in emergencies. The additional adrenaline was administered without delay, and seemed to take immediate effect.
When 999 was then called, Jess was told an ambulance would not be dispatched. “This was deeply alarming” Jess said. “Anaphylaxis always requires emergency aftercare, particularly for someone with a history of severe reactions.”
Jess made the decision to drive him to hospital herself. Once there, the boy thankfully made a full recovery, remaining in hospital overnight before being discharged the following day.
This was the 27th time an Anaphylaxis Kitt has been used to save a life since Kitt Medical launched the service just three years ago.
Following an earlier incident involving the same boy, the school took a ‘belt and braces’ approach. Allergy policies were strengthened, staff received comprehensive training, and Anaphylaxis Kitts were installed in central, highly visible locations. Bright yellow emergency bags now accompany children with allergies on trips, around school, and during activities.
Sue, the school’s headteacher (pictured right), said witnessing the first reaction was a turning point.
“In all my years in education, I had never seen an anaphylactic reaction that severe. It completely changed how we think about preparedness. You realise this can happen to any child – diagnosed or not.”
“For me, it’s about reassurance,” Sue added. “Not just having the Kitt on the wall, but knowing staff are trained, refreshed regularly, and confident to act. As a headteacher, that peace of mind is invaluable.”
Kitt Medical was co‑founded by Zak Marks and James Cohen, inspired by Zak’s own experience growing up with severe allergies. Their mission is simple: to make emergency allergy care as accessible as defibrillators.
“This story shows exactly why our Kitts matter,” said Zak Marks. “Even when a child has their own medication, things can go wrong – adrenaline pens can misfire, symptoms can escalate, and hesitation can cost precious minutes. What’s even more concerning is that an ambulance wasn’t dispatched. I’m just so thankful that the boy is now doing ok.”
Since launching in January 2023, Anaphylaxis Kitts have been installed in over 2,000 schools and qualifying businesses venues across the UK, with over 35,000 staff trained through their online course.
Kitt Medical recently secured investment from Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Deborah Meaden commented, “ I knew this was an investment that was going to make a real difference - I didn’t know how much, but saving lives… that’s the biggest difference you can make. Thank goodness the school had a Kitt installed, or it could have been a very different story.”
Pediatric Allergist Professor Adam Fox OBE commented on the incident, saying “Anaphylaxis is a serious and growing issue across the UK, so it’s great to see initiatives like this that raise awareness in a positive way.”
