On Sunday 17th May, I will be taking on the Chester Half Marathon, which is something I never thought I’d be saying as I am most definitely not a runner!

I am running for a charity who has played a huge part in supporting my family. My beautiful cousin, Cormac, was born with a Cleft lip and a Cleft palate.

Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) has been there from the very beginning. They have offered support, guidance, and reassurance to my family during some really overwhelming moments. His big brother, Coen has taken part in some of his own fundraising by creating and selling his own art work with all proceeds going to CLAPA. He’s a true legend!

I remember my auntie and uncle announcing they would be having a baby. Everyone was filled with pure joy. And of course things have not always been smooth sailing, but watching Cormac grow up with such strength and confidence to be himself at such a young age is incredible to witness. I know that with the support from our wider family, his mum and dad, his big brother Coen, and CLAPA, he’s been given those foundations to thrive.

CLAPA does some really incredible work, and I would urge you to take a look!  Cormac required special teats for his feeding bottles at newborn and CLAPA supplied these as well as a box of information and materials to support. Our family also got access to a community, which gave families opportunities to share questions or advice. CLAPA receives zero government or NHS funding! Meaning it is reliant on contributions or donations.

If you are able to support or donate, it would mean so much. If not, just knowing why I am doing this is already a huge encouragement.

Thank you

More information about Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA): The UK's cleft lip and palate charity Supporting, celebrating and championing the UK cleft community at every stage of life. We reach out to families from the moment of diagnosis and help them through any difficulties they have before and after the birth of their child by providing a specialist feeding service as well as targeted information and a national network of trained volunteers providing lifelong one-to-one emotional support and online events.