News & Updates
Allergen Awareness Week: Brodie’s Story
21st April 2026
This Allergen Awareness Week, we’re reflecting on why getting allergens right every time matters so deeply - and how care, community and timely support can change lives.
In 2024, the Marston’s Foundation made a record breaking donation of £4,500 to Brodie, granddaughter of Dawn, Licensee at The Old Wirral Hundred pub in Ellesmere Port. At the time, Brodie was beginning treatment for a life threatening nut allergy, and crucially, that treatment needed to start while she was still young for it to be most effective.
Brodie’s family first became aware of her allergy during lockdown, when an unexpected reaction to cashew nuts left them frightened and unsure what was happening.
Brodie’s mother, Laura Cothrell-Jones, said:
“We didn’t know anything about allergies at all. Her reactions kept coming — peanuts, sesame, pistachio, walnuts — and with each one came more anxiety.”
As more allergies emerged, the risks grew. The treatment Brodie needed was relatively new and unavailable to older children and adults because of the risks involved. With the support of the team at Marston’s, Brodie’s family applied for support to the Marston’s Foundation – a moment that proved pivotal in Brodie’s allergen journey.
The funding allowed Brodie to begin treatment at the optimal stage of her development. Since then, her test results have shown significant improvement, with reactions to certain allergens reducing dramatically.
Laura added:
“The difference this will make to her life - travel, freedom, experiences - is unbelievable.”
Brodie’s story brings into sharp focus just how widespread and serious allergies are across the UK. According to Allergy UK:
- Over 20% of the UK population is affected by one or more allergic conditions
- Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have tripled between 1998 and 2018
- Up to 40% of children in the UK are living with an allergy
For many people, eating out requires careful planning, courage and trust. We recognise that allergen awareness isn’t something you ever complete – with continual focus, learning and care all the way through from our food safety and menu development teams to our Pub Support Centre colleagues and dedicated pub teams on the ground.
Learn more about Brodie’s story by watching the video below.