My Coeliac Diagnosis

My count myself really fortunate with my coeliac diagnosis. It was the year 2000, and I was at nursery when I first became ill. I was constantly tired, losing weight, and malnourished. My mum took me to the GP, who initially suspected anaemia and prescribed iron supplements — but nothing improved. Eventually, the GP asked if anyone in our family was coeliac. We had never even heard of the condition.

I was quickly referred to a consultant at our local hospital and diagnosed with coeliac disease. Within a week of starting a gluten-free diet, I was already transforming back into a healthy four-year-old. Looking back, I realise how lucky I was to have a GP who acted so quickly. I now know that many people spend years trying to get a diagnosis, and their suffering goes on much longer than it should.

A Journey of Resilience

Before my coeliac diagnosis, I’d already faced a number of health challenges. Shortly after I was born, doctors discovered I had a hole in my heart. At one year old, I had surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to close it.

By age two and a half, I still hadn’t started speaking. I began speech therapy and, at age four, was finally diagnosed with Verbal Dyspraxia. I started using Makaton sign language to communicate, and my parents learned to sign too. I attended both St John’s Primary and Manor Park’s Speech and Language Unit, where I received daily speech therapy. Slowly but surely, my speech began to improve.

These early experiences shaped who I am today. They taught me resilience, creativity, and patience—qualities I now pour into my blog, my baking, and how I connect with others in the gluten-free community. I have seen in my own life how it is possible to achieve much more than people may expect.

A Love of Cooking

As I grew up, I found joy in the kitchen. I started creating my own gluten-free recipes and experimenting with familiar favourites, making them safe for me to enjoy. One evening, after watching the film Julie and Julia, my parents encouraged me to start sharing my recipes online—just like the character in the film did. That’s how Emily’s GF Recipes was born.

In 2013, with help from my brothers, I launched my first website. We bought the domain, designed a logo, and uploaded my first few recipes. I remember the excitement of watching visitor numbers slowly grow. We told friends, family, and anyone we knew who might find it helpful.

Now, emily’s gluten free has over 180 recipes—from cakes and desserts to savoury meals and gluten-free staples like Yorkshire puddings and banoffee pie. I still get excited seeing which recipes people love most.