As many of you know, Cara made a rather dramatic entrance into the world. She spent her first week in the neo-natal intensive care unit, and we were all too worried about other things to take much notice of her feet, which were twisted inwards rather than straight. We were told that lots of babies feet appear twisted when they are born, and that they usually straighten out naturally or with a bit of physio. 

So it came of a bit of a shock a few weeks later when Cara was diagnosed with club feet. Fortunately, it is treatable, but she had to have her legs in plaster for 8 weeks, and then wear special boots with a bar between them 24 hours a day for 3 months. Now she only has to wear them at night but this will go on until her 5th birthday. 

Thankfully, Cara's feet look completely normal now and most importantly, she is walking and running around like a mad thing every day. All because we were able to receive free NHS treatment, which meant we had access to brilliant, highly-trained doctors and physios. 

Sadly, not all children are so lucky. Around the world, thousands of babies are permanently disabled because of club feet. Globally, it is the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 750 babies. But 80 per cent of children born in poorer countries have little or no access to treatment, and many are hidden away because their families are ashamed. Children born with club feet face greater barriers to education and higher risks of neglect, poverty, physical, and sexual abuse. 

It's utterly tragic to think of babies just like Cara facing such huge, yet easily-avoidable, challenges. Club foot is relatively simple to treat if clinical staff have the right training and can cost as little as $250 per child. 

We are incredibly grateful to have received free NHS treatment and we really want to help other families who aren't so lucky. We'd love it if you could support us by making a donation and joining us on the walk if you can.