I've thought for a long time about 'giving something back', 'doing my bit' as they say. and I've come up with this.........

I'm getting my long hair cut short, firstly to raise awareness, but mainly to provide my hair to the Little Princess Trust, who make wigs for children who have lost their hair through things like cancer.

Secondly, I wanted to raise money & awareness for a charity close to my heart, CLAPA.  Most people do not know, but 1 in 700 babies are born with cleft lip and/or palate. That's 3 every day, and over 1000 every year!

Those who know me, or have read my blog  www.cakeskidsandme.blogspot.co.uk  will know my journey with Isabelle. I found out at my 20 week scan that my much wanted princess would have cleft lip & palate.  Any mother will understand how gut wrenching it is to hear anything will be wrong with your child. My pregnancy wasn't easy. I was monitored senseless & even offered an amnio.  The thing that helped keep me sane was the wonderful work of CLAPA. I was seen by a special nurse who showed me photos, explained everything. We was given a 4d scan to see our babies face & help us prepare a little. We was even given a special squeezy bottle to help feed her, as she wouldn't be able to suck like a "normal" baby would!  It was invaluable!

The support since has been amazing, we've been to events where we all get to meet other families in the same position as ours & talk to people who understand what we do, & go through.

Isabelle's so far had 1 surgery, but her journey isn't over. She may need gromets, further palate operations, her lip may need redoing, she will have a bone graft in her gum when she's around 10, she will need speech therapy, major dentistry,  and nose jobs when she's even older!  Issy's cleft may look "normal" now, but she has a journey ahead of her, & CLAPA will support her, & us every step of the way!

I cant thank CLAPA enough for the support we've had. And what we & Isabelle will have, as she grows into a beautiful young lady!

Thank you for reading. Please, give whatever you can.