We are both taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon 2025 to raise funds for Nottingham Hospitals Charity in order to support the Children’s Hospital and in particular the Cleft Team.

This is a huge challenge for us, both physically and mentally, as we only ever run to and from the fridge haha!

As many of our family and friends know, this cause is very close to our hearts, as our beautiful baby boy, Arlo, was born with a bilateral cleft lip.

At our 20 week scan, our baby was diagnosed with a bilateral cleft lip and potential palate and we were referred to the Nottingham Cleft Team. This time was such a scary and anxious time for us, as we didn’t know what to expect, if there was going to be anything further once Arlo was born or as my pregnancy progressed and the constant ‘what ifs’ throughout my pregnancy. We were referred to the Foetal Medicine Team at Nottingham City Hospital to have regular scans with the consultant, extra tests and to monitor whether our baby had any chromosomal abnormalities.

From our referrals to the Cleft Team and Foetal Medicine we had a phone call from them the very same afternoon and they were by our side every step of the way from that point. Arlo was born in June with a bilateral cleft lip and alveolar but his palate was intact.

Arlo had his surgery to repair his cleft lip at the start of October 2024 and we are so thankful to his surgeon/team for looking after our boy at such a scary time and Arlo’s results are just incredible! The care we received during our hospital stay was second to none and all of the nurses and cleft team were just amazing!

Arlo has healed amazingly following his surgery! He has since transitioned from his specialist cleft bottles and is currently weaning onto solids - which he loves!!

Arlo will have a further surgery around 8-9 years old to have a bone graft to repair the cleft in his alveolar and will continue to have regular appointments and reviews with the Cleft Team.

As a thank you and to show our gratitude we are both running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to help raise money for the charity which will help provide added extras such as improved facilities, equipment, research and staff development - you can also help by supporting this campaign!

Every donation helps, no matter how big or small!

Thank you for reading our story and for supporting a cause so close to our hearts🩵

Demi & Lewis x