Connie’s Cleft ❤️

So, I’ve decided to put my big girl pants on and share a story close to my heart.

In September 2022, the Trueman gang welcomed Connie Elizabeth Rose into the world—our perfect little girl, alongside Ruby of course. It wasn’t until Connie struggled to feed and the "top-to-toe" check was carried out that we understood she was born with no hard or soft palate. What did that even mean? Well, if you put your tongue to the roof of your mouth, none of that was there!

We didn’t really understand the implications for Connie or what it meant for our family going forward. Feeding, drinking, hearing, and speech were all affected.

The next few years of Connie’s life (and ours!) were going to be very busy. It meant an abundance of hospital and home visits, speech therapy, audiology assessments and the scariest thing so far, the operation to reconstruct Connie’s palate at Alder Hey Hospital at only 9 months old. Connie did incredibly well and was super strong throughout. If I could have told my past self anything, it would be: "It’s going to be okay—just breathe"

Roll on 2 and a bit years, and Connie is now awaiting her second operation to lengthen her uvula so she doesn't sound as nasal. Are we nervous? Yes! Does Connie have a clue what’s about to happen? No. But it has to be done to ensure Connie gets the best start in her early years and has the best speech possible before she heads off to primary school.

Although Connie’s cleft isn’t nearly as severe as it could have been, my heart goes out to all those families who have experienced much worse than we have.

Did you know three babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every day in the UK? 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 helps CLAPA continue to provide specialist, targeted services to give those affected the knowledge and emotional support they need.

We would be completely lost without CLAPA and the support they have provided for our little family. Now is my chance to give back and highlight the incredible work they do for so many people.

Please help by sharing our story and, if you can, donating to such a worthy association. Myself, along with my TF Pace Club buddies (Tom, Hannah, Laura, and Ryan will be completing the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2026 in support.

Thank you,

Cassie xxx

Ps I’m no good at running, but my trainers are bright pink so that’s enough 🤣