Student, 24, died after collapsing in her dad’s arms following shock allergic reaction during pub lunch with family

A STUDENT collapsed into her dad’s arms and died after suffering an allergic reaction to a mushroom risotto, an inquest has heard.

Georgina Mansergh, 24, was at the Angel Inn in Ferndown, Dorset, on February 11 when she suffered the reaction to the sesame seed oil used in the tahini sauce included in the dish.

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Her dad Nigel Mansergh told the Bournemouth hearing that she was diagnosed with a nut allergy when she was two but they later realised she also reacted to seeds as well.

He said Georgina, who also suffered from eczema and asthma, had previously suffered only mild reactions such as tingly lips or vomiting, and would be “embarrassed” if they raised her allergies when eating at restaurants.

Mr Mansergh added that his daughter would avoid dishes which contained seeds or nuts but would eat those marked as “may contain nuts”.

He said she began to suffer a reaction at the pub and went to vomit in the toilets after starting the dish, which prompted his wife to go to their home in the Dorset town to pick up an antihistamine.

By the time she returned, their daughter’s condition had worsened and an ambulance was called.

Mr Mansergh said: “She collapsed on me, that was when she passed out.

“Family and members of staff were carrying out CPR until paramedics arrived.

“Despite their best efforts, Georgie was declared dead at the scene.

“We can’t begin to describe how devastated we and our sons are at the loss of our beautiful girl and it is difficult to comprehend that she has gone.”

Around 40 per cent of children have been diagnosed with an allergy in Britain, according to Allergy UK.

The four most common allergies in children are food allergy, eczema, asthma, and hay fever.

Deadly anaphylaxis is caused by the body’s immune system overreacting, and can be set off by allergies to anything from foods, like nuts or shellfish, to general anaesthetic.

Warning signs include feeling lightheaded or faint, difficulty breathing, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.

If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.

Ambulances should also be rung immediately.

Mr Mansergh said Georgina’s reaction to the dish was “not like anything she had experienced before”.

He added that she was aware of what foods she should avoid “which makes this even more tragic”.

We can’t begin to describe how devastated we and our sons are at the loss of our beautiful girl

He added that she had not been advised to carry an epipen because her symptoms had always previously been “mild to moderate”.

Mr Mansergh said that his daughter was used to checking menus for allergens and added that the family did not “hold the restaurant to blame at all”.

But he suggested better signage about allergens and more prompts about allergens when reserving places and ordering food could prevent future incidents.

Describing his daughter, he said: “She had a boyfriend, had lots of friends. 

“She was a vegan and cared greatly about the environment and animal welfare. She was very keen on health and fitness.”

James Wyer, who was general manager at the Angel Inn at the time, said the family had ordered their food in advance by email and had not given any notification of any allergies or food intolerances.

He said that staff would ask about allergies when taking reservations and orders and any meals would then be prepared separately for affected customers.

The hearing was told Dorset Council Trading Standards did not take any action against the pub as it complied with all requirements.

Coroner Richard Middleton said the cause of death was acute anaphylaxis due to sesame seed allergy and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

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