Three babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every day in the UK, and they face a 20-year treatment pathway which can continue well into adulthood. The Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA) is here to make sure no one has to go through this alone.

Most of you will know Katie was born with a cleft palate.  Not diagnosed until she was 6 months due to the complications from other health issues, causing her to be a very poorly baby and spending much time in hospital during her early years.  Now 10 years old and several surgeries later, another due in June, approaching a sensitive age, she recently attended an activity day in Sherwood Pines, Notts funded by CLAPA.  Events such as these give children a huge amount of confidence and a sense of belonging.  We consider this nearly as important as the physical stuff!

Every donation will help CLAPA to continue to provide specialist, targeted services to give people affected by cleft the knowledge and emotional support they need, while their UK-wide community brings together people from all walks of life to share experiences and learn to cope.

I hope my efforts go some way towards helping raising awareness for cleft children.  I have for so long wanted to contribute to a great charity and also in a way say thanks to the wonderful Trent Regional Network for their amazing care.