A series of charity walks have been organised by Coeliac UK to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for campaigns, support and research into the causes and possible cures for the condition.
The walks, during Coeliac UK Awareness Week from May 9 to 15, are being supported by award-winning sausage makers, debbie&andrew’s. (The company makes sausages that are free of gluten, wheat and dairy.)
debbie&andrew’s has provided a £2000 “micro sponsorship” to match funds raised by each walk.
The official Coeliac UK Awareness Week Walks are taking place in Dovedale, Brecon, Bourton on the Water, Abingworth and Lulworth. See more walks info.
The first 20 teams or individuals to raise £100 will generate a matching £100 from debbie&andrew’s for their efforts.
In 2015, a team from Gloucester-based The Gluten Free Centre took part in the 12-mile walk near Bourton-on-the-Water. The aim was to raise £1,000 and the walk organisers were able to take advantage of a debbie&andrew’s micro sponsorship to help them to meet their goal.
Diana Murphy, founder of The Gluten Free Centre, said “Having coeliac disease myself, we are passionate about raising awareness and we support Coeliac UK in every way we can.
“We enjoyed a great day in the beautiful Cotswolds and the 12 miles was a good challenge for our team. We would encourage anyone to take part in the 2016 walks, not only for the lovely day out but also to support such a good cause.”
Ian Bagnall, managing director at debbie&andrew’s, said: “Our Harrogate 97% pork sausage was one of the first wheat, dairy and gluten-free sausages to be launched more than 16 years ago. We now make all our most popular premium sausages ‘free from’.
“We are committed to making life easier and healthier for people who suffer from coeliac disease. So we’re encouraging everyone to pull on their wellies and put their best boot forward for this great cause”.
What is Coeliac UK?
The national charity supports people with coeliac disease. To find out more about the condition see Is it Coeliac Disease?
For more info about debbie&andrew’s including their gluten, wheat and dairy free products, charity projects and competitions see www.debbieandandrews.co.uk, www.facebook.com/debbieandandrews or Twitter @d_a_sausages
To walk for Coeliac UK see walking events.