Eight years ago, our gorgeous son George was born with a cleft lip and gum and, at just four months old, underwent a five-hour operation to repair his lip. Soon George will undergo another surgery to take a bone graft from his hip to repair his cleft gum, a daunting procedure for any kid but the hardest bit for him is that it will take him away from his passion of playing sport for at least 6 weeks!

George is fortunate because the outstanding care and expert treatment he receives from an amazing team in Oxford means that there will be no significant impact on his life and nothing to stop him from achieving all his hopes and dreams. I share George’s story with his permission and it is his bravery and encouragement that has inspired me to run London Marathon for Smile Train.

Smile Train empowers medical professionals around the world with training, funding, and resources to provide free surgery and other forms of comprehensive cleft care to children in their communities. Their sustainable solution and scalable global health model drastically improve children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive.

Supporting Smile Train gives a child access to a full range of cleft services they would have otherwise never received and ultimately the opportunity for a better quality of life.

George and I would be extremely grateful for any donations to support their cause. THANK YOU!