As most of you know, our little Annie-Female-Baby-Warrior was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Over the 3 short years of her life, she has had countless appointments as well as 3 operations so far. The Cleft Lip and Palate Association were extremely helpful prior to Annie’s birth where we could find useful information to prepare us both emotionally and for her physical needs. Once she arrived, CLAPA sent us a feeding starter kit which was a brilliant support in finding out which bottles were better suited to Annie. 

In the past, my family, friends and I have raised money for CLAPA. The biggest amount achieved was by another Female Warrior – Annie’s Auntie (and my sister & hero!) when she ran the Milton Keynes marathon in May 2019. Since then, my sister Sarah inspired me to get out running! Over the last couple of years, I set myself challenges to run a 5km, 10km, 12km and then a half marathon. Well, what would be the next challenge? A marathon of course! So here I am…following in my big sister’s footsteps and running the MK marathon on 2nd May – which is just before the start of the yearly CLAPA awareness week.

As it is only a small charity, it is heavily reliant on sponsorship and fundraisers, which is why I thought it was about time to raise some more money for them. 

I am so grateful for my family and the amazing people I have in Annie’s life who have given us nothing but support and love throughout Annie’s journey so far. But also to CLAPA, for the reassurance and help that we needed at the very start – and who will be there throughout Annie’s cleft journey.

Never in my lifetime did I think I would be able to run a few miles, let alone a marathon - so this is definitely one of my biggest challenges! If you can spare anything at all, I will be so grateful.

7th-15th May is Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week. Three babies are born with a cleft every day in the UK, and already they face a 20-year treatment pathway, with many having their first surgery at just three months old.The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) are here to make sure no one goes through this alone. They give people affected by cleft in the UK the support they need to thrive and feel confident about what the future holds.Im taking part in the Step Up challenge to raise money for CLAPA to help them support families like mine for years to come.