Every three minutes, another baby is born struggling to breathe, speak, and eat due to a cleft. This October, I will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for lifesaving treatment for these children in need around the world.

1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate globally. A cleft occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during foetal development. Clefts can involve the lip and/or the roof of the mouth, which is made up of both hard and soft palate. Around the world, many children with clefts will never receive the reconstructive surgery they need. Children with untreated clefts face physical difficulties eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft treatment alleviates many of these difficulties, ultimately enabling them to thrive.

Smile Train is the worlds largest cleft-focused organisation, supporting surgery and other forms of essential care for those with clefts around the world. Over the last 20+ years, with support from donors and fundraisers, they have supported safe and quality cleft care for 1.5+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve.

Having a baby myself who was born with a cleft, I have witnessed first hand the importance of specialised care for those with clefts, and cannot begin to imagine what families around the world who don’t have access to this face. 

For as little as £150, the costs of a cleft surgery can be covered, transforming a child’s life forever.

Any donations, no matter how big or small, will make a massive difference to the lives of these children and will be truly appreciated!