A MOTHER whose son was diagnosed with coeliac disease last year aged ten hopes to raise awareness of the condition by running the London Marathon.

Janie Knowles, from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was spurred into action as a result of her son Sam’s diagnosis and the support and advice received from national charity Coeliac UK.

This year’s Virgin London Marathon, on April 26, will be her first ever marathon.

Coeliac disease is caused by intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and results in damage to the gut lining.

It can also lead to other conditions such as malnutrition, osteoporosis and small bowel cancer.

Currently there is no cure or medication for the condition – the only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet.

About half a million people in the UK have coeliac disease, but don’t know it, since it often goes undiagnosed.

Ms Knowles said: “I am running the marathon to raise awareness of the disease and also to raise funds for Coeliac UK – the charity have been an amazing help.

“This is my first marathon and training is going extremely well. I started off with a target time of 4.5hrs but now I am hopeful to break the four hour mark, at least that's what I am hoping for.

“I have raised £1,185 to date and hope to break £1,250 come the big day. I am very happy to do my bit to raise awareness of coeliac disease by running the London Marathon.

“If it means that just one more person thinks that it's worth getting tested as a result then that would be fantastic.”

To help raise awareness of coeliac disease, Coeliac UK’s Awareness Week is taking place from May 11-17. For more information please visit www.coeliac.org.uk/AwarenessWeek2015

To sponsor Janie, go to https://www.justgiving.com/Janie-Knowles.