We suddenly lost our brother in law Jake in November last year, in dreadful circumstances.

Jake had signed up to run the Newport half marathon in April 2026 to raise funds for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, a charity close to Jake’s heart.

Jake and Elly’s son Arthur was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, including a Cleft Palate and requiring 5 weeks in hospital. Arthur had surgery in January 2024 and CLAPA supported Jake and Elly tremendously, especially in those early weeks.

We have signed up to run this half and raise money for CLAPA, for Jake.

I am grateful to be part of a 17 people strong team running for this amazing charity. Please give generously in memory of Jake, and to support the wonderful work of CLAPA.

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.

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.