Rebecca Adlington has received a flood of support after revealing she has been been diagnosed with coeliac disease.
The BBC Sports presenter, 36, who shot to fame as an Olympic swimmer, made a plea to the UK Government in a short clip sharing her diagnosis.
In the video shared to Coeliac UK’s Instagram account, she said: “Hello everyone.
See also: What is coeliac disease?
“As someone newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, I have definitely quickly learnt how vital gluten-free prescriptions are for managing this condition.
“But in some areas, these prescriptions are totally being cut.
“Coeliac UK is handing a petition to Number 10 to make sure we’re heard, so please sign and share the petition today.”
Coeliac disease - which affects about one in 100 people - is a common condition where the immune system attacks tissues when gluten found in wheat, barley and rye is eaten.
It causes a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.
In light of sharing her diagnosis and backing the campaign for gluten-free prescriptions, she was inundated with messages of support underneath the video.
“Yes @beckadlington thanks for helping to raise awareness,” one penned. “Gluten free food should be affordable and accessible to EVERYONE who needs it.”
Another penned: “So good to have someone famous helping to raise awareness. Well done Becky.”
“Awesome to have @beckadlington backing the campaign! What a role model! Thank you Becky,” a third added.
Another wrote: “The more people raising awareness the better.”
While a fellow coeliac sufferer commented: “Thanks @beckadlington for being a high profile voice . Good luck with the new journey you're on and maybe one day I'll have the privilege to show you how good gf food is . Keep up the great work.”
“Thanks Becky, your support is appreciated and needed. I’m sure people think the prescriptions are free but they aren’t free unless you qualify for another reason, we just need access to them for everyone who needs it,” another penned.
Adlington won two Golds at Beijing and two Bronze medals four years later at London 2012.
The Mansfield-born Olympian win in the Olympic 400 metres freestyle in Beijing meant she became Britain’s first female swimming gold medallist for 48 years.
She retired from the sport in 2013 and regularly appears on the BBC as a commentator.
