Story time!! 

Many of you may know that about 11 years ago my Mum, Stepdad, and I welcomed my two little twin brothers into the world, Jamie and Scotty Rodmell, premature at 35 weeks. However many of you probably aren’t aware that Scotty was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. A cleft lip happens if the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth. Similarly, a cleft palate happens if the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join during pregnancy. 

Since Scotty and Jamie were born my family and I have learned a lot about cleft conditions, and in doing so have come across an incredible charity called Operation Smile. I have decided to take on the challenge and run the London Marathon in partnership with Operation Smile, and in honour of my little brother, Scotty Rodmell. Operation Smile is an international medical charity whose global network of thousands of credentialed medical volunteers is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children from more than 60 countries. It has provided more than 220,000 free surgical procedures and is doing incredibly important work to help children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities….conditions that are extremely close to me and family's hearts.

Depending on the type and severity, a cleft can create serious health issues if not corrected. Babies can have difficulty with feeding, which in some parts of the world can lead to malnutrition, or even starvation. Ear infections can occur — and recurring ear infections can lead to hearing loss. Dental development can be affected. Speech and language development can also be impaired. Children may also suffer from bullying and social isolation. 

Scotty has undergone two surgeries so far, the first was when he was 3 months old to repair his lip and the second was at exactly 1 year, on his birthday, to repair his palate. The third and final surgery to complete the closure of the palate will be around his 11th birthday. Thankfully, we are fortunate enough to have access to an incredible team at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, as well as the privilege of living in a country that provided Scotty with safe surgical care, covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. 

With your help, the money that I raise will go directly towards helping children across the world that do not have the same medical access and resources that we so often take for granted. Operation Smile provides these children with the opportunity to get the surgical treatment and care that they desperately need. 

Scotty is unbelievably strong and has taken on more than any kid should have to at his age, BUT he has done so with a huge SMILE on his face, coupled with an infectious laugh and sense of humour ... always cracking a joke and bringing joy to everyone around him. He is an absolute fighter and has gotten through so much. Scotty is now 11 years old and is living a very normal, healthy, and active life. He is such an outstanding little man and is my inspiration to take part in the London Marathon. 

This is such a significant part of Scotty, as well as my family’s story, and I couldn’t be more proud to run and raise money for Operation Smile, and to support the Scotty’s of the world! Any donation, big or small, truly does make a difference and is incredibly appreciated.Thank you all for supporting me in this crazy experience...together we can 'change lives, one smile at a time'. 

Lots of love, 
Michael