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Steve Haynes with wife Deborah, daughter Bethoney and mother in law Pam

FATHER of two Steven Haynes is running the London Marathon to raise awareness of coeliac disease, a condition that affects his wife, elder daughter and mother-in-law.

Mr Haynes, 35, is taking part to raise money for Coeliac UK, the charity that has helped him and his family to deal with the disease.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by an intolerance to gluten.

There is no cure or medication for the condition, the only treatment is life-long adherence to a strict gluten- free diet. Damage to the stomach lining occurs when gluten is eaten.

Mr Haynes, of Alan Cobham Road, Devizes, decided to run the race after his wife, Deborah, 35, was diagnosed with the disease a year ago.

She was tested five months after their daughter Bethoney, now five, was diagnosed with the disease.

There is a genetic predisposition for coeliac disease and Mrs Haynes' mother Pam Pike, 60, of Caen Hill Gardens, was diagnosed with the disease ten years ago.

Mr Haynes, a computer systems developer for GWR radio, said: "After Deborah's diagnosis I made a pledge to my wife that I would run the London Marathon to raise money for the Coeliac UK and to increase awareness of the disease.

"My mother-in-law was diagnosed with coeliac disease ten years ago and I witnessed from that point onwards how incredibly difficult everyday life can become.

"It seems going to most food establishments is a health lottery.

"Some places claim certain meals or dishes to be gluten free, only for half the family to become ill later in the day. Coeliac UK helped us tremendously when Bethoney was diagnosed. They have groups in Wiltshire and we went to cookery demonstrations so we knew what food she could and couldn't eat."

Mr and Mrs Haynes have another daughter, two-year-old Gemma, who has been tested negative for coeliac disease.

The disease is surprisingly common, about one in 100 people in the UK is estimated to suffer from it, according to Coeliac UK, but according to a recent study only 12 per cent of people are actually diagnosed.

Gluten is contained in wheat, rye and barley, which rules out bread, cakes, pasta, pastry but can include other foods such as soup and gravy.

One side of the kitchen in the Haynes house is strictly gluten free to avoid cross contamination with gluten foods. Mr Haynes and Gemma have to use a separate toaster to his wife and Bethoney.

Mr Haynes has already got more than £1,000 pledged for the London Marathon on April 13 but would like to raise more. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/stevenhaynes or donations can be pledged at his father Russell's shop, Brittox News.

10:04am Thursday 27th March 2008

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