Stories of Resilience and Celebration from our Christmas Raffle winners
Dennis, 91: A Lifetime with coeliac disease and a £10,000 surprise
Diagnosed in 1966, Dennis shared how he lived through decades of limited awareness and challenging gluten free options.
“Gluten free bread came in tins and smelled like putty – the sort builders use,” he laughs.
Before diagnosis, Dennis suffered unexplained stomach problems and fainting spells until an endoscopy revealed the cause. Adjusting to a lifelong gluten free diet was tough, with weekly trips to a Blackpool bakery for fresh gluten free loaves and careful planning around work for a biscuit company!
Coeliac UK became an essential lifeline. “For years, the charity has looked after me,” Dennis says. “They speak up for everyone with coeliac disease.” Now, he marvels at how technology helps people manage hidden gluten in everyday foods with the Coeliac UK app.
Winning £10,000 in the raffle brought “a little bit of extra sunshine.” Dennis and his wife, Lucille, plan a few relaxing nights away in Llandudno, confident they’ll find safe gluten-free fish and chips at their favourite place.
“As pensioners, the prize money is a real comfort. It gives us a bit extra breathing room to enjoy a few pleasures without worrying about the pennies.”
Brenda, 84: Birthday Celebration and a £1,000 Win
For Brenda, her win will bring more than candles and cards – thanks to her £1,000 raffle win. Diagnosed in 1988 after years of unexplained illness, she shares how her life transformed once the cause of her symptoms was identified.
“Before I’d even taken a bite of my post-endoscopy biscuit, the doctor came flying out and said, ‘No more biscuits for you.’ And that was the start of my lifelong gluten free diet.”
Receiving a diagnosis gave Brenda clarity and relief. “I’d always blamed my exhaustion and low mood on a busy family life, but it turned out that years of unexplained symptoms were the real cause of why I’d felt so unwell for so long,” she reflects.
Brenda refused to let coeliac disease limit her life. She became a tour manager, for an international rail company travelling the globe – visiting Russia, Africa, Canada, Norway, Hungary, and Sweden – always ensuring there were safe gluten free options for herself and passengers.
“I never let the worry of finding gluten free food stop me. People are surprisingly helpful when you explain your dietary needs in their own language.”
Coeliac UK has been a constant support throughout her journey, providing information, local connections, and community. Brenda continues to give back by participating in the charity’s raffle and sharing advice with other members.
Margery, 84: Overcoming Misdiagnosis and Enjoying a £500 Win
Margery’s story shows the impact of late diagnosis. As a child, a GP suggested coeliac disease, but later another doctor dismissed her symptoms as “fussy eating.” Decades of IBS misdiagnoses, stomach ulcers, and having to take early retirement followed.
It wasn’t until her late fifties that a new GP referred her for capsule endoscopy, finally confirming coeliac disease.
“Everyone felt sorry for me, but I was so happy to finally have answers,” she says.
Recovery took time, but a gluten free diet brought relief. Coeliac UK’s guidance and reassurance were vital. “The charity leaflet I was given was a lifesaver,” Margery recalls.
Margery has been a member for 27 years and actively supports the charity, encouraging other relatives to get tested too. Her £500 win will add to upcoming family celebrations, including her 85th birthday.
“I’ll make sure there’s a delicious gluten free birthday dessert for me,” she laughs.
Celebrating Resilience, Support, and Community
These three stories showcase the transformative role of Coeliac UK: providing guidance, community, and hope for individuals and their families.
From Dennis navigating the early days of gluten free life, to Brenda travelling the world while managing her diet, and Margery finally receiving long-awaited answers, the guidance and support from Coeliac UK has quietly helped them along the way.
“Finding out you have coeliac disease can be life-changing,” Brenda says. “But knowing there’s a charity to help you makes all the difference.”
By entering the raffle, everyone who took part has helped support Coeliac UK’s work in raising awareness, providing guidance, and funding research. Every ticket makes a real difference, helping the charity support, inform, and empower people living with coeliac disease – both today and for future generations.
Congratulations to Dennis, Brenda, and Margery on their wins, and a huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 Christmas raffle. Your support helps make stories like theirs possible.