CLAPA is the only UK-wide voluntary organisation specifically helping those with, and affected by, cleft lip and palate. It is unique.

Not only does CLAPA help children all over the UK; the charity works internationally in developing countries providing crucial operations and support.

One of my closest friends' daughter, Niamh McKenzie was born in May 2006 with a a bi-lateral cleft palate and Pierre Robin Sequence. This presented many challenges for Niamh's parents Gillian and Dave, and of course for Niamh. CLAPA not only supported them through the emotional stress of watching Niamh go through difficult operations; it also provided practical support for day to day tasks such as providing specialised equipment for feeding.

Niamh is 6 years old now and has had 6 operations. The last being in 2012. The support that her and her family have received from CLAPA, and continue to receive has been outstanding. Niamh is such an amazingly brave and intelligent girl who has come through so much. She is an amazing example of the work CLAPA do and a credit to both of her proud parents!

Being able to see Niamh’s progress through the last few years made me want to give something back to the charity! I wanted to do something challenging, tiring and difficult... something that reflected the challenge that many children and parents go through with cleft lip / palate.

Tough Mudder seemed fitting! A 10 – 12 mile assault course featuring ice baths, electric shock treatment and something called The Ball Shrinker (I don’t even want to ask!). A team of us calling ourselves MUD BROTHERS (I managed to recruit other likeminded (MENTAL) people – Shaun Porteous, Michael Docherty, Peter Thompson, Linsay Miller, Colin Wilkie, Katie Allison and Grant Kerr) will be donning our CLAPA t-shirts and getting ourselves dirty in the name of fundraising!

Go on muck in and get donating for this very worthwhile cause!