Hi my name is Marie, some of you may remember me e-mailing before.  I asked for support in helping me raise money for Coeliac disease. In 2007 I ran the British 10k in London and thanks to your generosity I ended up being the highest fundraiser for Coeliac UK. Some say I’m crazy, but this year I am going for it, I have been accepted by Coeliac UK to take one of their 5 Gold Bond places in the 2009 London Marathon.

I feel honoured as so many people who apply for a place are unsuccessful. For those who don’t know what Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis are I will tell you a bit about them.

I have three beautiful boys, George is 11 and is not a Coeliac. Harrison is 9 and was eventually diagnosed when he was 5yrs old. Owen is 6yrs and was diagnosed when he was 3yrs old. They have both gone through a lot already, in and out of hospital for check ups, various tests and diet.

Coeliac is a life long maintaining disease and can only be controlled by a strict Gluten Free diet. If left untreated it can cause a number of long-term and even life-threatening conditions including;

Osteoporosis and other bone disease, such as osteomalacia, osteoperia, and rickets. Bone "pain", Weight Loss, Internal Hemorrhaging, Pancreatic Disease or Disorders, Intestinal Lymphoma (cancer).  These are just some of them.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a "sister" to coeliac disease. Symptoms - very severe rash on their skin, blistering, intensely itchy skin.

More awareness needs to be raised about this disease and without the help of Coeliac UK and their support I would not have had a clue where to start in nursing my little boys back to good health. To thank Coeliac UK for this support I would like to raise as much money as I possibly can to help other people with this condition.

The last year has been a particularly bad one for me and my family, I have been very unwell and still on the road to recovery. Last April I broke my foot in two places and was in plaster for 8 weeks, so I obviously have a lot of training to catch up on. I always said I would like to run the Marathon before I was 40 and although I didnt quite make it, as my 40^th birthday was in December, I am still thrilled to have this opportunity.

I would love my boys to be so proud of their mum for taking part in this fantastic event. Most of all I want to give something back to Coeliac UK.

Please dig deep and give generously, many thanks

Marie x