Claudette Dudley, @claudcrazycoeliac, one of the Allergy & Free From Show’s ambassadors is currently embarking on an inspiring UK-wide tour throughout May in support of Coeliac Awareness Month, travelling from Land’s End and already making her way through Cornwall, Devon and Bath. She set off slightly early with a clear mission: to shine a spotlight on outstanding gluten free venues and producers that often go under-recognised outside of London.
During her journey, Claudette is visiting gluten free establishments across the country, delivering thank you cards, championing businesses on social media, and leaving detailed reviews across a range of gluten free review platforms (many of which are familiar to the Allergy & Free From Show community). She is also highlighting products that don’t always receive mainstream attention, helping to amplify smaller and independent voices in the free from space.
Wherever she travels, she engages with local communities and visitors, using her eye-catching toast costume as a fun and memorable icebreaker. This opens up conversations about her personal experience with symptoms and allows her to share the valuable free symptom checker from Coeliac UK with those who may be struggling. At its heart, her journey is about breaking down stigma around coeliac disease, encouraging open conversation, and supporting both individuals and businesses in navigating dietary needs together.
With a unique background that spans both hospitality, thanks to her experience working in kitchens and having an ex-chef as a mother, and finance, Claudette brings a balanced perspective to the challenges faced by both consumers and food businesses.
Alongside raising awareness, she is also fundraising throughout the month. This includes running a light-hearted eBay auction featuring gluten free-themed lots, collecting loose change donations, selling GF badges, and collaborating with coeliac-focused groups to support their fundraising and outreach efforts. In addition, for a small donation, brands have the opportunity to feature their promotional stickers on her suitcase, which continues to travel with her across the country as part of this nationwide awareness campaign.
To find out more about Claudette and her story, please click the link here. You can also meet Claudette at the Allergy & Free From Show this weekend!