Not just a faddy diet
Raising awareness of coeliac disease is a cause close to Jane Devonshire’s heart. The champion of Masterchef 2016 has firsthand experience of its impact after her youngest son was diagnosed with the disease when he was just two years old.
Jane (pictured below) is now an ambassador for Coeliac UK, the national charity for people who need to live without gluten, whether due to coeliac disease or another medical condition requiring a gluten free diet.
She recently launched the charity’s Gluten Free Community Week, bringing together its community and helping to support those who are feeling isolated and alone at this difficult time.
Coeliac disease is not an allergy or an intolerance but an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system damages the lining of the small bowel when gluten, a protein (found in wheat, barley and rye), is eaten. There is no cure and no medication; the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet for life.
One in 100 people in the UK has coeliac disease but only 30 per cent of those with the condition have been diagnosed. There are an estimated half a million people in the UK who have the condition yet don’t know it, according to Coeliac UK.
The current situation has brought with it strains and stresses for everyone around buying food but it can be particularly worrying for anyone who relies on a specialist diet.
“Many people with coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten, are not only worried about their own health conditions but also struggling with obtaining essential gluten free supplies,” said Hilary Croft, Coeliac UK’S CEO.
Like so many other organisations during these challenging times, the charity has deftly adapted to try to meet the demands of lockdown.
Instead of its annual awareness campaign, it recently brought people together through a week of interactive online and social media activities to help them stay connected.
And Coeliac UK has provided additional support to the gluten free community with free access to more than 1,000 gluten free recipes from its Home of Gluten Free Recipes.
But the charity is suffering: it receives no government funding, and its existence depends on membership, fundraising and commercial income through food safety schemes, advertising and sponsorship, which are all at risk as businesses try and weather the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
“It won’t be a surprise to hear that all of these income streams are under threat due to the coronavirus crisis and at a time we are seeing a surge in demand for our services which are more vital than ever,” said Hilary.
“We are working hard with our network of health and food professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and find the answers to support our community at a time when they need us most.” On average, it costs £33.40 for each enquiry the charity receives. Its helpline costs £500 a day or £62.50 an hour to run.
“For over 50 years Coeliac UK has provided information and support to thousands of people diagnosed or suffering with symptoms,” said Hilary. “We’re now worried about the outlook, and how we can stay around to keep helping people now and in the future. We need support more than ever to sustain our work.” The charity has launched an appeal so it can continue to support its vulnerable community during this time of crisis.
It says that due to coronavirus, people with coeliac disease are relying on Coeliac UK more than ever and it has had a massive increase in demand for its services.
The appeal is asking people to help donate in order to enable the charity to continue to provide specialist support for coeliacs and those who need to live gluten free – not just for now but for as long as it takes to find a cure.
To donate go to: www.coeliac.org.uk/saveour-future/. Coeliac UK has a helpline on 0333 332 2033 and further information can be found at www.coeliac.org.uk.