As some people know I was born in 1997 with Van der Woude Syndrome which included amongst other things a cleft palate. I was very fortunate as a baby given most of the major operations I required were done when I was very small and were all very successful. My cleft was repaired when I was 3 months old and my last major operation concerning my cleft was done in 2005.

When I was 17 I felt I was at an age I felt I'd like to do some volunteering or at least something helpful for others given the vast support I'd received in my short life. Naturally I was drawn to CLAPA. I have a personal connection as they've supported me and my family since I was a baby and we first came to the UK. I was directed to apply for the Children's and Young People's Council, representatives of young people with clefts across the UK acting as advisors for researchers, raising awareness and connecting young people. It was exactly what I was looking for - somewhere to contribute my experiences to help improve services for people with clefts. I left the council when I turned 18, however the opportunity opened up so many doors for me. I am currently the young persons representative on the Regional Coordinators Project Advisory Group with CLAPA and really happy I'm able to give something back to charity that gives so much great support to me and so many others across the UK.

My experience with CLAPA has proven to me it's never too late to get involved and make a difference. It doesn't matter where you're from or what you feel you can contribute everybody has something to say you just need to find the right outlet. In CLAPA I have undoubtedly found mine.

Please give whatever you can to help support this really fantastic charity and all the brilliant support they give. Feel free to read more about what they do: https://www.clapa.com/

Thank you x