Nathan’s Story
Michelle’s son Nathan was born with a cleft lip and palate. She shares how proud she is of him throughout his journey, from multiple surgeries, and following his dream career.
Nathan was born with a unilateral cleft lip and submucous palate undiagnosed during pregnancy. He had his repair on both at six months old at the City Hospital in Nottingham. He struggled slightly with his speech, so he went to speech therapy and had regular checkups for his hearing.
Nathan had a bone graft aged 11 and further surgery on the scar on his lip because he was getting conscious of it as he got older. During his first year at comprehensive school, he also had surgery on his palate again to help with his speech.
After his bone graft, we waited six months for his mouth to heel properly then he needed brace work for the next four years to align his teeth.
When he was 20, Nathan decided he wanted to join the army. Enrolment took longer than expected due to the restrictions with Covid-19. He finally started his training in October 2020, passing out in June 2021.
He went on from there to join the Irish Guards. This year, they will participate in the Trooping of the Colour for the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
He went on from there to join the Irish Guards. This year, they will participate in the Trooping of the Colour for the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
As you can see from the pictures, Nathan also got the amazing opportunity to meet HRH, The Duke of Cambridge.
I am so proud of everything he has achieved and continues to achieve.
Thank you to Michelle and Nathan for sharing your story!
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