Michael Fox’s 10^th birthday on March 16^th will be more than just another milestone. It will be his first chance to celebrate a medical breakthrough that has revolutionised his life. For Michael, a Cub Scout with the 1^st Flitwick Scout Group, has just successfully completed year one of a treatment for life threatening peanut allergy on the world’s first oral desensitization programme. This brave Cub Scout volunteered to join the programme last year despite the risks involved. He said, “I’m really pleased. I can now have my birthday party at my favourite Chinese restaurant and eat what I like.”

Organised by Dr Andy Clark at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, the programme has cured Michael and three other children in the world’s first successful treatment of the potentially fatal peanut allergy. Dr Clark said, “Allergies affect the quality of life. But in the case of nut allergy an untreated reaction can kill. Unlike other childhood food allergies such as cow’s milk, this one rarely goes away. And it affects one in 50 young people in the UK.”

Michael was diagnosed with egg and dairy product allergy at three months old when he was being weaned. His mother Kate said, “He became quite ill and wouldn’t eat much. Later, at five years old, he was tested positive for nut allergy. It started a life-changing protection regime for the whole family which we still practice. Fortunately, I was a catering manager with experience in dietary needs so it was relatively easy to transfer my professional skills into my home life.”

But Mrs Fox did not stop there. She researched nut allergies on the internet and, with the help of a friend, set up a support group called SAFE (Support for Anaphylactic and Food allergies for Every child). She said, “The website has been a surprising benefit to many people around the world. It’s so comforting to know other mothers with the same problems and to share our experiences.”

At the age of six Michael joined Beaver Scouts along with some of his school friends.  Mrs Fox took this episode in her stride. She said, “The Scouts were so supportive. Group Scout Leader Nikki Taylor took one look at the long list of dietary requirements and said in a matter of fact way, ‘That’s good. A set of useful do’s and don’ts. We’ll cope.’ I was convinced.

“Two year later came another hurdle when Michael joined the Cubs and his first camp away from home. By that time I was enrolled as a helper so it was easy for me to go as camp cook to supervise the diets of not just Michael but all the others with special food needs. It was a nice feeling sharing my experiences with the Scout Leaders and knowing that I was helping not one but as many as 20 youngsters.”

In February 2008 Dr Andy Clark came to talk to Mrs Fox’s group SAFE about his work as a paediatrician specializing in food allergies. He told her about the research programme he was about to start. Michael and his mother had no hesitation in wanting to join in despite the risks he faced. It was a decision supported as well by his father Tim and little sister Anna.

Michael took it all in his stride but Kate admitted she was scared. Even my friends at work noticed.” Kate recounted how the first small doses of nut impregnated flour had no effect. “Then, a few weeks into the research, Michael was given one eighth of a nut. It was hardly more than would cover a pin head. The reaction was terrifying. Within seconds he had his first anaphylactic shock, went into spasm and almost stopped breathing. The doctors were wonderful. He was treated with adrenalin and antihistamine and just as suddenly as they started the convulsions stopped and he was normal again.

“Despite the setback, Michael and I never lost faith and after six months he was eating as many as 12 peanuts in a session. Today, 12 months on, Michael has progressed to 28 peanuts with a regular daily intake of six. He is well on the way to leading a normal life. “

Michael himself has a laid back view of it all. He said, “The peanut butter was a bit yucky but I was allowed to eat salted peanuts instead which taste great. I can also cook and eat things like pancakes at Cubs. At camp I enjoy archery and rafting but my favourite is camping out of doors in a tent. Last year we went to Great Barford by the river. It was great. But what I’m really looking forward to is my birthday party. As a special treat we’ll be going to a Chinese restaurant for the first time ever and I’ll be able to eat what I want.”

For Michael and his mother the next hurdle actually lies just beyond his tenth birthday when he moves up to the Scout section. It will bring a whole new range of adventurous and challenging activities from abseiling to yachting and zorbing (rolling downhill in a big transparent globe). But Michael will also have another temptation to enjoy – his salted peanuts, something that was strictly forbidden just 12 months ago.

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