In 2018 we found out we were blessed with a baby boy, we were so excited throughout the entire pregnancy. When Miguel was born, we found out that he had a bilateral cleft lip and palate. It unfortunately went undetected throughout all our scans. From the moment we laid eyes on him we fell in love with that wide smile. 

The next morning we were embarking on the craziest journey you could ever imagine. For 11 days he was in NICU. We were so unaware of the condition, how it affects a child and the long road ahead of him. We found out within a few days he would need 2-3 surgeries to repair his lip and palate. This would happen within the first 2 years of his life. We couldn't picture our perfectly imperfect little man without his wide smile. Then throughout his life there will be further surgeries. 

We are so grateful to have had the support from family, friends, medical professionals and CLAPA. CLAPA is an amazing charity that works to raise awareness, support children and families, provide welcome packs for parent with a new diagnosis and feeding packs. We were so lucky to have had support when things were tough, they are there for advice anytime and they provided the much needed bottles to help our little man feed. 

Did you know 1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft? 

• 1,200 babies are born in the UK with a cleft each year. 

• A child can be born cleft lip and/or palate affected. 

• Bilateral clefts are when both sides of the lip are affected 

• Unilateral clefts are when one side of the lip is affected. 

Miguel was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate complete and incomplete. 

• A cleft can affect a child's ability to speak meaning they may in most cases need speech therapy. It can also affect breathing and make feeding very difficult. 

As of present Miguel is doing so well and we have him to thank for that. He's so resilient and our tough boy. We want to use cleft awareness week to raise awareness in any way we can. We also want to show appreciation for everyone on this journey and to CLAPA for being the support we needed at a very difficult time. 

Did you know 

• £20 could provide a set of valve operated bottles to a family in need

• £40 could buy a family a welcome pack of special bottles and teats for a family with a new diagnosis 

•  £70 could provide a place at a family day for one child born with a cleft 

In order to raise money, Miguel and I will be walking 13,000 steps everyday for the duration of cleft awareness week. THANK YOU! 

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