May is a really important month for me. Not only is it my birthday month, but it’s also Coeliac Awareness Month.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1 in 100 people—and I’m one of them.

I was diagnosed in November 2023 after a long period of illness. Before my diagnosis, I struggled daily. I withdrew from friends and family, avoided going out, and spent so much time feeling unwell and anxious about being ill in public. It even affected my education—I missed lessons and appointments during Year 12 because I simply couldn’t cope physically.

Coeliac disease isn’t “just a dietary preference.” The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet—completely avoiding gluten, barley, and rye for life. Even small amounts can make you seriously ill, with symptoms like vomiting, extreme fatigue, stomach pain, diarrhoea, brain fog, headaches, and more.

There’s no cure. And while it’s manageable, it’s not easy. Every single day requires careful planning and constant awareness.

If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious complications such as anaemia, severe weight loss, and even increased cancer risk.

This month, I want to do something positive with my experience. I’m fundraising for 64 people ( as Coeliac UK asked what our 64 was) with Coeliac Disease by fundraising for Coeliac UK to help support others who are newly diagnosed or struggling on their journey—just like I was.

The goal is simple: to help people access the support, resources, and education they need to manage their condition and feel less alone.

If you’re able to donate—even a small amount—it would mean so much. Every penny goes directly to the charity. I don’t receive anything from this—I just want to help others.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this post helps raise awareness, which is just as important.

Thank you for reading, and for supporting something that means so much to me 💛