22 April 2016

52 year old Peter Hayes of Gloucester will be embarking on his second marathon this Sunday, as he takes on the Virgin London Marathon to raise funds for Coeliac UK.

Having been diagnosed with coeliac disease two years ago, despite experiencing lifelong symptoms, Peter feels passionate about raising awareness to improve diagnosis rates, saying: “When I think back, I feel that I have most probably been living with coeliac disease since I was a child. I was always much smaller than my classmates at school, I guess now I know why.”

A keen runner before his diagnosis, he has experienced a surge in his speed since adopting a gluten-free diet. Within six months, he had already topped his 5k personal best and will be aiming to clear the 26 mile challenge within four hours on Sunday, which will be his first gluten-free marathon.

We’re incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of people like Peter – and we wish him the very best of luck on Sunday.

With inspiring people out there raising awareness and funds, we can reach more undiagnosed people with coeliac disease than ever before. Want to find out what you can do? Get involved with our Awareness Week, taking place from 9-15 May or contact the Fundraising Team at fundraising@coeliac.org.uk.