Special treats on special day for families

COELIAC families from across southern England flocked to Bognor Regis for a celebration.

A total of 150 adults and children joined in the special occasion to mark the 50th anniversary of Coeliac UK.

They were able to enjoy a delicious range of gluten-free food and chatting to each other.

The day was organised by the charity's West Sussex Coeliac Group. Its organiser, Anna Henderson, said the event at Butlin's had been a big success.

Some of the event's organisers

"One little eight-year-old boy summed up everything with his happy beaming smile when he told me: 'Today I felt normal. I could eat everything just like all my friends do. This has been the happiest day of my life'.

"The word safe kept popping up as the anxiety that coeliacs have about what they eat - and the consequence of eating something that isn't coeliac-free - can be a constant burden for the whole family.

"One family told them they all felt safe today and another said they could all relax and have fun like any other family."

There are 150,000 diagnosed coeliacs in the UK, but many more are believed to be undiagnosed.

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition caused by a reaction to the gluten in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is in most food staples like bread, pasta and cereals.

Coeliacs must maintain a strict glutenfree diet for life if they are to avoid serious complications like osteoporosis, infertility and bowel cancer.

Tucking in on the day

Money raised at the golden anniversary celebration day went to Coeliac UK's research fund to find a better and permanent solution for coeliac disease and related autoimmune conditions.

The day at Butlin's was so popular some 400 applications for tickets were received. The 69 children and 81 adults who were able to join in enjoyed the site's attractions during the day with the centrepiece of a superb three-course gluten-free lunch and sumptuous gluten-free cupcakes.

All the party-goers went away with balloons and bags overflowing with free gluten-free samples.

"Our local group exists to support and encourage those of all ages who need to avoid gluten, particularly after diagnosis, which can be a difficult time," said Anna.

"It is easy to become isolated. We provide opportunities for coeliacs to connect and meet with fellow sufferers, an option not available with all the purely online social media support groups."