TUCKING into cereals and bread is not a problem for most people - unless they suffer from coeliac disease.

The auto-immune condition - caused by intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley - means the body produces antibodies which attack its own tissues.

However, one sufferer is helping keep his waistline healthy in more ways than one by taking part in the London Marathon on April 22.

Mike Dawson, 31, of Station Road, Thorpe Bay, is running this year's race to keep his tum trim with his training and to raise money for Coeliac UK.

He said: "Having been a coeliac all my life and with my wife's sister and her two young children also suffering from it, I really wanted to run the marathon for a cause that's personal to me and my family.

"So it was brilliant when I got in touch with Coeliac UK and found I could run as part of its team."

Coeliac disease can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, anaemia, headaches, weight loss, hair loss, skin problems and joint and bone pain.

Mike, a window cleaner, diagnosed when he was two, enjoys cooking all sorts of gluten-free meals at home.

Although his wife Carolyne is not a coeliac she happily eats the gluten-free option, especially as her husband is cooking for her most evenings.

He said: "While eating out can still be difficult, when it comes to eating at home there are so many fantastic gluten-free foods available now that I never feel like I'm missing out.

Mike will have plenty of support on race day - 20 friends and family from Southend are going down to London to cheer him on.

He has hit the ground running with his training and is now doing 15 miles comfortably, helping to put him in excellent stead for the big day.

He said: "Southend is a great place to train as I can run for miles along the seafront on big wide paths and with a fantastic view to keep me going.

"There are lots of runners out training at the moment so that helps motivate me too."

He is hoping to raise at least £1,000 for Coeliac UK through sponsorship from friends and family.

To sponsor Mike and help Coeliac UK exceed its target of £12,000 you can visit www.

justgiving.com/coeliacmarathon