For Paralympic judo champion Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, the path to answers was long and at times overwhelming. “It was an incredibly long journey,” he explains. “There were lots of tests. So, when I was finally diagnosed with coeliac disease, it was actually a relief, not just because it wasn’t something more frightening, but because I finally had an answer.”

Chris, who lives in Wiltshire and was diagnosed two years ago, hadn’t heard much about coeliac disease before his diagnosis, even though it runs in his family. “My cousin has coeliac disease and was a huge help when I was first diagnosed. I needed someone who had been through it to show me the ropes – what I could and couldn’t eat, how to manage it day to day. Without that support, it would have felt a lot more daunting.”

Chris’s experience reflects the reality for so many. Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects 1 in 100 people in the UK – but only 36% are medically diagnosed. That leaves an estimated half a million people struggling without answers. A strict gluten free diet is the only treatment, and getting the right diagnosis is the first step. Coeliac UK’s free online self-assessment can help guide people towards the support they need.

Adapting to a new reality

As an elite athlete, Chris was already used to structure and discipline – but adapting to life with coeliac disease brought a whole new level of planning. “When I’m competing or training abroad, I have to take my own food with me, massive bags full, sometimes. Not every country caters well for gluten free diets, so you’ve got to be prepared.”

Even in the UK, things aren’t always simple. “Eating out can be hard. You have to ask a lot of questions and be really clear about cross-contamination. There are places I avoid altogether, like buffets, or restaurants that don’t take coeliac disease seriously. But there are also Coeliac UK Gluten Free accredited venues where I feel safe – and I’ll go back to those again and again.”

Chris now uses a dining card to explain his dietary needs when eating out and urges others to make use of similar resources. “There are tools to help you communicate your needs clearly – use them. And don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”

Chris and his wife, Louise

Living with a hidden condition

As someone who is also visually impaired, Chris is no stranger to navigating the world with an invisible condition. “I’m used to people not understanding or making assumptions. But coeliac disease, like visual impairment, needs to be taken seriously. You’ve got to be vigilant about your environment – especially at home. Everything we use in the kitchen is sterilised or dishwasher-safe to avoid cross-contamination.”

For Chris, managing coeliac disease has been just one part of a much larger journey. His sporting achievements are extraordinary: winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and a bronze medal at Paris 2024 – moments he describes as the proudest of his life.

Chris in Paris, 2024

Raising the standard for the future

Now, Chris is using his voice to raise awareness, not just for coeliac disease, but for people with hidden conditions more broadly. “I want to help empower the next generation of athletes. Whether that’s people aiming to become Paralympians or just finding their own path through sport. And I want people with coeliac disease to feel confident and supported.”

He’s also clear about what still needs to change. "The gluten free diet is the treatment for my condition. Yet it is expensive and hard to find in the shops, particularly for staples like bread. Its so important that people with coeliac disease get not just the diagnosis they need but access to products that keep them well. That means protecting access to gluten free staple products on prescription".

Chris is sharing his story as part of Coeliac UK’s Coeliac Awareness Month campaign, which highlights the real experiences of people affected by the condition.

“This May, I’m fighting for change. For better understanding. For better support. And for the thousands of people still searching for answers.”

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Coeliac Awareness Month
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