21 years ago, I was born with a bilateral cleft lip. I was very lucky to recieve treatment through Great Ormond Street hospital, and have surgery meaning I can lead a completely normal life. I can eat, breathe and talk without issue, and it is not something that effects my day-to-day life in any way at all. However tens of thousands of children around the world are much less fortunate. Children born with cleft lips can in many cases be rendered outcasts, unable to speak, eat, drink or breathe properly - and without surgery these children are totally unable to lead a normal life. 

I have decided to run the 2019 London Marathon for SmileTrain 'Team Empower', aiming to raise £2,500. Every £150 raised equates to one operation, so should I hit my target we would permanently change the lives of over 16 children. Providing them with the life changing surgery that I was so lucky to have. Allowing them to go and lead a normal life, like I am able to do. 

"Smile Train provides free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children in developing countries. Through training local doctors and empowering partner hospitals around the world, we advance a sustainable solution and scalable model to treat clefts, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, and speak over time."

This is a cause very close to my heart, and I will be very grateful for any donations that you choose to give. 

Wish me luck !

George X