News and Stories

Lacie-Jo’s journey: A story of strength, love, and resilience, written by her mum, Rebecca. 

When Matt and his wife Katie were told their second child would be born with a cleft lip they were overwhelmed, and turned to CLAPA for much-needed information about the often misunderstood condition.

CLAPA volunteer and former CYPC member Izzy has turned her experiences of being born with a cleft palate into a passion for working in the medical industry.

The 40th annual Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland (CFSGBI) Conference will have a very different feel this year – with more than 30 people with lived experience of cleft involved in the programme.

We're saying a big good luck to our eight fantastic London Landmark runners in 2025.
Prior to the big day on Sunday 6th April, we spoke to four of team CLAPA's runners.

Little Teddy had a taste of luxury on-set life when he was cast as ‘Baby Emily’ in BBC’s Casualty, raising awareness for cleft lip and palate.

A big thank you to the record nine walkers from our community north of the border, who’ve signed up for a Kiltwalk to raise funds for CLAPA this year.

An electronic music memorial for Will Helstrip, a much-loved member of our community who tragically died two years ago, raised more than £3k for CLAPA.

Connor founded Adore Dance London in 2021. He spoke to CLAPA about dancing, cleft, and Strictly Come Dancing.

Two-year-old Oakley has Apert Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes fusion of the skull, hands and feet bones. He was also born with a large cleft palate, which saved his life when his other airways became obstructed.

An Indian storytelling event for a festival called Navarathri/Dussehra has raised hundreds of pounds for CLAPA.

Peer supporter Andrew was born with a cleft lip and palate. He’s now trained to help others through our peer support service to talk through issues and experiences of living with cleft as an adult.