MORE than 200 students at Accrington Academy were taught essential life-saving skills as part of a programme to raise awareness of food allergies, following a teenager’s tragic death.

A film, A Day In The Life Of Chloe, is a new resource for schools, to educate young people about how serious food allergies can be, what they can do to protect people with serious allergies and how to help if someone has a bad reaction.

The initiative follows the death of Oswaldtwistle 15-year-old Megan Lee, who died from acute asthma due to a nut allergy.

Students at the academy were shown how to perform CPR by the school’s community first responder Rhonda Mooney, as well as learning how to use auto adrenaline injectors.

Ms Mooney said: “It’s important to get this message out there.

“Megan was a good friend of my son, Tom, and I think it is important to equip students with the knowledge and skills, so that they are confident to help if they find themselves in a situation they would need to use them.”

Megan’s father, Adam Lee, said: “It is fantastic the work that Accrington Academy have been doing. Last year there was legislation to have provision in schools for such as stations for aspirin and asthma inhalers.

“They have done some great work on this project.

“It is very important. The rise in food allergies among young people is significant and there is a risk for schools and they could be left with life-threatening situations.

“I believe life-saving should be part of the curriculum.

“We are very lucky to have some great schools in Hyndburn and they are concerned about the welfare and protection of their students.”

Adam completed the Burnley 10k and raised £339 and awareness for the Anaphylaxis Campaign.