Pub’s donation helps fund life‑saving allergy treatment for Ellesmere Port child
A local Ellesmere Port family is sharing their story during Allergen Awareness Week, after receivin...
A local Ellesmere Port family is sharing their story during Allergen Awareness Week, after receiving vital support from The Marston’s Foundation and their local community to help fund life saving treatment for their daughter, Brodie, who suffers from severe food allergies.
In 2024, Brodie, then aged six, was diagnosed with multiple life threatening nut allergies. Further testing confirmed the seriousness of her condition, and the family learned that an emerging course of treatment could significantly reduce the risk of a worst case allergic reaction – but only if it began while Brodie was still young.
The Marston’s Foundation, working alongside The Old Wirral Hundred pub in Ellesmere Port – where Brodie’s grandmother Dawn is the licensee – stepped in with a £4,500 donation, enabling Brodie to begin treatment at the most effective stage.
Brodie’s family first became aware of her allergies during lockdown, when an unexpected reaction left them frightened and unsure what was happening.
Brodie’s mum, Laura Cothrell Jones, said: “We didn’t know anything about allergies at all. Her reactions just kept coming – peanuts, sesame, pistachio, walnuts – and with each one came more anxiety and fear.
“As a family, we were desperate to understand what options were available. We learned about this relatively new treatment, but it’s not something older children or adults can have because it’s too risky.
“We tried to fundraise locally, but when we got the phone call from the Marston’s Foundation saying they would fund the treatment, it was incredible. It’s genuinely changed her future.”
Since starting treatment, Brodie’s allergy test results have improved significantly. While the family remains vigilant – carrying EpiPens and carefully checking food – doctors have told them the risk of a severe reaction has reduced by around 95%.
“The freedom this will give her as she grows up is unbelievable,” Laura added. “It’s given us hope and peace of mind we never thought we’d have.”
Brodie’s story is being shared as part of Marston’s Allergen Awareness Week, which shines a light on the realities faced by millions of people across the UK living with food allergies and the importance of understanding, care and vigilance when serving food.
According to Allergy UK, more than 20% of the UK population is affected by at least one allergic condition, with hospital admissions for anaphylaxis having tripled since the late 1990s.
Rebecca Southall, who leads the Marston’s Foundation – which supports local causes in the communities where Marston’s pubs operate – said:
“Allergen awareness requires constant care, learning and empathy, and Brodie’s story is a powerful reminder of why this matters so much.
“We were incredibly proud to support Brodie and her family. Seeing the difference this funding has made – and the reassurance it has given them – is exactly why the Foundation exists.
“Our pubs are community hubs at the heart of local life, and we’re committed to supporting brilliant local causes wherever we can, both through the Marston’s Foundation and the fundraising efforts of guests and our passionate local pub teams.”
Brodie’s family and the team at The Old Wirral Hundred hope that by sharing her journey, it will help build greater understanding of food allergies and reinforce the importance of taking them seriously – both within hospitality and the wider community.
General T&Cs
Prize details:
Two Premier League tickets with hospitality fulfilled by Sky Business - to a game of your choice from a select list. Eligible for 2026 Premier League home games in the 2025/26 season
Two sets of two tickets from Diageo