Myself and Briony are taking part in the 2018 Newport Half Marathon. This is the second time  we have entered a half marathon together and hopefully not the last! This time we have decided to raise money for CLAPA (Cleft lip and palette association) - a charity that is very close to our hearts. CLAPA provides support for those affected and their families through events and groups. The charity receives a low percentage of government funding which is why we're doing our bit to help. 

If you're not aware, a cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (pallet). The gap is there because parts of the baby's face didn't join together properly during development in the womb. A cleft lip and pallet is the most common facial birth defect in the UK, affecting around 1 in every 700 babies.

CLAPA has helped our friend, Fionn, through her journey. So far Fionn has had 9 operations and without the support from CLAPA Fionn would not be the person she is today. Fionn was supposed to be running the Half Marathon with us, but unfortunately she starts her new job on the same day. However, I am sure she will be cheering us on with plenty of phone calls and messages. 

We want others to feel as confident as Fionn does today, which is why we are aiming to raise as much as possible to support the charity and the work they do.

Thank you,

Laura and Briony xox