Operation Smile ensures access to surgical care for children across the world who, like me, were born with a cleft lip and palate, as well as other facial deformities. 

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft but the majority will not benefit from the amazing care I had through the NHS. 

Unfortunately, many children around the world are left with unrepaired cleft lips and/or palates, which can lead to difficulty breathing, eating and speaking, and severe social stigma. 

As many of you will know, my last attempt at a marathon in 2018 didn’t end so well when I suffered a major head injury during training which put a bit of a halt to my gallop (pun intended…). It is therefore with some trepidation that I’m signing up again, but I’m keen to put all my running towards raising money for a cause extremely close to my heart. 

This year of all years charities have faced huge fundraising challenges and I'd be extremely grateful for any size of donation from those who can. All funds will be used towards operations, training,  medical supplies and patient care, and will play a vital part in Operation Smile’s life-transforming work.