For all too many children in countless developing countries, this is a reality. Children and adults with an un-repaired cleft condition live with unimaginable emotional and physical suffering; yet a surgery can take as few as 45 minutes to complete. - since 1982 they have provided over 240,000 free surgeries to those born with a cleft lip or cleft palate and each year we treat over 16,000 people. With more than three decades of expertise, Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver free surgery to people where it’s needed most.

My niece Hettie was born with a cleft lip and palate. With all other complications this condition can lead to there were moments during pregnancy where we all feared the worst. My sister and brother in law have been through so much but when Hettie was born in June 2018 it was all worth it. She’s a beautiful little girl and been through more before her 1st birthday than any of us could imagine. She’s hard as nails and my inspiration to take part in the London marathon. The money I raise will hopefully help towards other children across the world to get the fantastic treatment and care that Hettie and my family have experienced.