My name is Nathan Abbott, a now twenty three year old who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate; fortunately, I was lucky enough to have been raised in an area of the world which was able to perform thorough reconstructive surgery in a successful attempt to reconstruct my broken smile. 

My life through school was made difficult by many obstacles:the primary concern being how people viewed me, I was bullied frequently and as a result became extremely self-conscious about the way I looked. Yet the visual aspect was not my only hindrance, the nature of having a facial deformity made it difficult to speak and eat- interfering with life from not only a social circle, but a personal one as well.

To date I have had 36 reconstructive operations and as a young adult can now appreciate how fortunate I really am. However I have also come to the realisation that what I suffered from is not isolated to parts of the world which can provide help, but less progressed parts as well. It made me question how some people can cope with such an ailment knowing that they likely will never be cured; which is why I have decided to support a charity which specialises in helping these people.

The charity that I support is: ‘Smile Train’, this charity provides resources to train doctors to perform cleft surgery for underprivileged children, as well as offering comprehensive care such as speech therapy and orthodontics to further their recovery.

I founded a multi-award winning charitable fundraising movement at the age of sixteen called 'Freestyle 4 Smile'. The primary goal to raise funds and awareness for cleft and Smile Train. 

I have taken on major open water swims since inception and created an annual 'Celebration of Smiles' gala. I have been fortunate to appear on national media and radio to spread cleft awareness in both the UK but also around the world through ongoing social media outreach. 

To date, 'Freestyle 4 Smile' has raised well over £30,000, helping fund hundreds of cleft surgery for children in the developing world.

Despite these unprecedented times, I am undertaking my biggest challenge that will test both my physical and mental resilience I have developed over my cleft journey - a 68 mile swim around the Isle of Wight.  I was left less than 100 days to train due to Covid-19 preventing me to go in the sea which has only increased the intensity of the swim.

However, in a time surrounded by negativity there is one thing that is certain - our ability to smile. So please share the story and help me transform cleft lives, worldwide. 

Upon completion, I will become the youngest person and 5th individual to complete the colossal swim which will take approximately 24 hours. 

I know donating may be difficult but your generosity is gratefully appreciated. A favourite quote of mine "We making a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give".

Ultimately, fundraising saved my life and I will endeavor to impact the lives of as many people around the world. 

For reference - every £150 = one cleft surgery = A smile! = )

Find out more about my story on www.freestyle4smile.com or social media @Freestyle4smile Facebook/Instagram

Keep Smiling!