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Benjamin and Sebastian will be completing fifteen for Frankie during the month of September. Benjamin will be completing his on the back of Simon’s bike whilst Sebastian also cycles the distance. 

FPIES (food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome) was something we had never heard of before Benjamin got diagnosed at 7 months old after his first reactions. We have had a tricky time as a family since starting weaning Benjamin as he has multiple trigger foods and we’ve ended up in hospital numerous times. Introducing new foods is scary, counting down the hours after to see if he reacts. He has now turned 1 this month and we have a small list of safe foods and with the help and support of the FPIES UK support group, website and our NHS dietician we are learning as a family to adapt and live with FPIES. We are doing this challenge to raise money for this great charity and to help raise awareness of FPIES. 

An introduction to FPIES… FPIES is a delayed (non IgE mediated) food allergy which leads to repeated vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms 1-6 hours after a problem food (or formula) is eaten.       The most common symptom is vomiting. The vomiting seen with FPIES reactions is usually quite dramatic, with babies typically vomiting multiple times. Lethargy is commonly seen but in milder cases may be mistaken for 'just sleeping it off'. In more severe cases the child may appear to be 'passed out' or non responsive. Other symptoms which may be seen in some children include pale grey or blue appearance, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.               The most common foods that cause FPIES are cow’s milk, soya, rice and grains like oat and barley. However there are case reports of FPIES to a number of fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, peas, beans and sweet potato and also meats such as beef and chicken. In theory you can have FPIES to any food, therefore it is important to have professional help in the management of your child's diet. 

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