January 2024 our youngest daughter was born with a Cleft Palate, we had heard of both cleft lip and palate before, however hadn’t any first hand experience.

Any parents fear is the unknown, we spent the first year of her life in and out of hospital, multiple hospital appointments/ admissions and knowing surgery was needed at some point in the not so distant future.

As a result of our daughters cleft palate she was primarily NG fed for the first 6 months of her life until she underwent surgery - which successfully took place in December 2024.

She is now 4 months post op and thriving. With regular check ups under the Cleft Speech and Language team, the ongoing support is remarkable.

Not to mention the nursing and level of care we experienced was next to nothing and as parents to have that continuous on going support, you find comfort knowing you are not alone during your journey.

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the UK’s cleft lip and palate support charity. The charity brings together people affected by cleft to help them connect with others who share their experiences, welcoming them into a supportive community for life.

CLAPA’s work to support children, adults and families affected by cleft in the UK relies on the generosity of donors. This Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Week, want to combine awareness-raising with fundraising