Beans (AKA my daughter Alanna) is taking myself, her Dad, her Uncle Jody, her Aunty Dian and her Uncle Kieran on a walk round Hyde Park.

I suspect she hopes to be able to squeak at some squirrels and eat some mud, but the aim *really* is to raise some money for CLAPA who are pretty darn awesome.

Beans has had 3 operations in her 15 month life so far, and in the early days a LOT of between-operation maintenance, and our CLAPA nurse - the ever-lovely amazing Tina - has been there to support us every step of the way.

We're very lucky that Beans is a resilient little thing and takes it all in her stride, but knowing that we had somewhere to go with our questions, for reassurance, for feeding skills and to talk Blue-Peter-esque face-taping tactics has meant that we have been able to do the same, and gratefully will continue to do so.

Knowing that Beans has this amazing support network available to her whenever she might need it in her life is, I don't know, I'm not sure of the word, but it's a good word and we feel a lot of it :D

If you can spare a couple of quid, they're a great charity! (More info below)

Also, the more the merrier and all that, so if you just fancy a stroll round Hyde Park then come with us! I'll be taking a minibus up and it's a £5 to register (and you get a T-shirt!) - there's a picnic after, teddy bear optional ;)

Aunty Dian is also raising money you can visit her page here: http://www.justgiving.com/sponsoredbeans

"The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the representative organisation for all those in the UK affected by cleft lip and/or palate. Our vision is a world where having a cleft is no barrier to achieving your desires and ambitions."

CLAPA’s main functions are:

Working to improve cleft care in the UK by representing the needs of people affected by cleft

Creating a UK-wide cleft community of people with and affected by the condition to provide mutual support

Providing specialist bottles and teats for babies with cleft to parents, carers and health professionals

Training volunteer Parent and Peer Contacts to provide one-on-one support

Developing support for children and young people with a cleft at school and in social settings through activities such as confidence-building Residential Weekends

Encouraging and supporting research into the causes and treatment of cleft lip and palate

Producing and distribute a range of unique information products

Raising awareness of cleft amongst the general public and fundraise in the community

CLAPA aims to improve the quality of life for all those born with a cleft and their families by involving our membership, supporting parents and patients, and improving the standards of care throughout all of the UK."