It’s hard watching the people you care about suffer, and knowing there’s little you can do to help. That’s why I’m running my first marathon in April.

When she was five, my youngest daughter, Carys, was diagnosed with Coeliac disease – an intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Before she was diagnosed, she suffered  long term with severe diarrhoea, abdominal pains, fatigue and weight loss.  Now she follows a gluten-free diet, and it has been incredible to see the difference in her. She’s blossomed into a healthier, happier child.

My eldest daughter, Elen, had milder symptoms than Carys, but also has a gluten intolerance and has greatly benefited from a gluten free diet.

Carys's mum, Tracey, was diagnosed with Coeliac disease in 2007, having suffered for several years as a result of mis-diagnosis and GPs’ lack of knowledge.  Tracey suffered from depression, malnutrition, severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps,  and constantly felt unwell. Since following a gluten free diet she has improved a lot, but there are lingering complications (such osteoporosis) as a result of being undiagnosed for so long.  

There is no cure for Coeliac disease.

If they hadn’t been diagnosed with the disease at an early stage, my children would likely have gone on to develop osteoporosis, infertility, bowel cancer, depression.  Even though they follow a gluten-free diet, it doesn’t take much to cause them discomfort:  gluten contamination from breadcrumbs from a bread board in a restaurant, incorrectly labelled food packaging in supermarkets, cross-contamination of gluten-free and “normal” fairy cakes at a birthday party can bring back all the old symptoms.

UK research indicates 1 in a 100 people might have coeliac disease.  80% of sufferers do not know they might have it. That’s half a million people.   

My aim is to run the Brighton marathon in aid of Coeliac UK, the charity which helps raise awareness of this auto immune disease, thereby preventing more people suffering from it.  

Thanks to Coeliac UK, GP’s knowledge of Coeliac disease is improving.  “Free From” products in supermarkets are broadening their range; some restaurants now offer gluten free dishes, (pizza hut ranged such a pizza in December 2012); some schools are now starting to provide gluten free meals for children.  

Awareness is key.  Please help me to help Coeliac UK make a difference.