Sunderland gran's allergy 'mission' as she's inspired by her grandchildren to educate others

A Sunderland grandmother has made it her "mission" to increase awareness about potentially lethal allergies and has written a book inspired by her grandchildren.

Mirabel Lavelle, a teacher by trade, has written the book - Zeb, Jet and the Ice-Cream Calamity - in order to demystify allergies and help youngsters understand what they are and how to help their friends stay safe. Two of her grandchildren have severe allergies to milk and nuts - and she said this had shaped their lives.

Mirabel said: "I’m on a mission. It’s a mission to make social environments safer for children like my grandsons. Wherever we go, we carry EpiPens, and the need for allergy awareness is something I believe people should understand deeply."

In the book, Zeb, a fox cub, and Jet, a playful puppy, experience an adventure at the South Tyneside landmark of Souter Lighthouse. During the self-published tale, the danger of an allergic reaction is a key issue. Mirabel has spent 18 months creating the story with local artist, and fellow University of Sunderland graduate Amelia Clark-Sutton.

The author explained the story behind the project, saying: "One day, my eldest grandson asked me to write a story that included an allergy. That simple request inspired me to write something that children could enjoy while learning about the importance of being allergy aware."

Mirabel, who was born in Malta, added that her grandchildren were her inspiration, and she was continuing to write, alongside leading workshops with youngsters based on the themes in her book. She added: "They kept asking me, ‘Nana, how’s the book coming along?’ and that promise to them is what kept me going.

"I’m halfway through a novel and have more children’s stories in the pipeline. Self-publishing is costly, but knowing this book could help save a life makes it all worth it."

Find out more about the book at writebymirabel.co.uk.