27 October 2025

As the festive season approaches, Coeliac UK has launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal – to help make Christmas, and every day, safer, easier, and more joyful for everyone living with coeliac disease. 

Christmas should be a time of celebration. But for those living with coeliac disease – an autoimmune condition where eating tiny amounts of gluten triggers the body to attack itself – it can bring worry instead of wonder. A single crumb of ordinary bread or cake can mean days of pain and illness, and the pressure to stay safe can turn even simple gatherings into moments of stress and isolation. 

For many, Christmas means constant vigilance – scanning every label, questioning every meal, explaining again and again why “just a little bit” isn’t safe.  

One mother told us:  
“At five years old, my daughter’s fears of being cross contaminated affected her mental wellbeing and stopped her wanting to eat or drink.” 

Another shared: 
“Since she was four, my daughter has had to carefully navigate all the things young children love – parties, sleepovers, eating out – all whilst making sure she feels safe and secure.” 

No one should have to live like this. Not at Christmas. Not ever. 

Your gift this Christmas can change lives today. 

Every day, families contact Coeliac UK in search of guidance, reassurance and hope. With your support, we can make sure help is always there when it’s needed most. Your donation will help us: 

• Be there for the thousands of people who turn to us each year for trusted advice, information and support. 
• Speak up for fairer access to prescriptions, better food labelling and faster, more accurate diagnosis. 
• Work with brands and restaurants to ensure that gluten free means truly safe – wherever you eat, shop or celebrate. 
  
  

Every pound makes a difference for people trying to live life gluten free. 

Transform Tomorrow. 

By supporting our Christmas appeal, you’ll also help fund life-changing research – research that’s bringing us closer every day to the ultimate goal: a world without coeliac disease. 

Coeliac UK Chief Executive, Hilary Croft, explains:  
“As this year draws to a close, we’re asking our incredible supporters to stand with us once more. Every gift you give this Christmas helps change lives today – and brings us closer to a future where no life is limited by coeliac disease.” 

Together we can make this Christmas – and every day after – better and brighter for everyone living with coeliac disease. 

Donations can be made by visiting coeliac.org.uk/Christmas-appeal or calling 0333 332 2033. 

Donate today