How do you even find the words to explain something that, at one point, you couldn’t speak about - even to those closest to you.

We found out Isla had a cleft lip around 16 weeks into the pregnancy. To say I struggled with this news is an UNDERSTATEMENT - to the point I would burst into tears or hide away in my room if the word cleft was mentioned. I blamed myself - I wondered what I had done “wrong” for this to happen. I remember I would just look at Isla’s dad with a lump in my throat, to speak for me if someone asked about it.

I personally had never known anyone with a cleft or anything about it to be very honest. I knew our precious little girl would be so loved regardless, however it was the fear of the unknown - how it would affect her, would people stop and stare etc. Time went on and the fears turned into excitement just DESPERATE to meet our little angel.

Isla was born naturally 8 days early on the 9|11|2019 weighing 6lb 12.5oz. She was just perfect - cleft or not.

Isla has over come every obstacle in her way and we could not have done it without the amazing support from the cleft team in Glasgow. I will forever be grateful for Isla’s lovely suregon Dr Drake and all the cleft nurses who have supported us in our journey so far, especially Isla’s cleft nurse Anne who has been our rock throughout.

Myself and my bestfriend Lynsey will be doing a sky dive on the 17th of April to raise money for this cause which is very close to my heart. ALL donations will go directly to The Cleft Nurses Fund. We have decided to fund the skydive personally so the cost will not be covered by the money raised for the charity.

Anyone who knows me knows how special this charity is to me personally. This is my way of saying thank you.