Three peaks and three years of fundraising raises £4,000 for CLAPA
Parents Laura and Tom have raised over £1,800 just this year, for CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association). With their fundraising activities spanning over three years, with three peaks climbed and plenty of bake sales held.
Laura and Tom chose to raise funds for CLAPA after receiving support when their son, Arthur, was born. Arthur was diagnosed with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate at a pregnancy scan. Laura said, “The charity supported us during pregnancy, by providing information about what to expect once Arthur arrived. They also provided us with a free welcome pack, which included specialist feeding bottles and teats.”
“I have since gone to some of the Zoom events that are offered, such as the online baby sign course. I’ve also attended a Q&A with speech and language/hearing specialists, and I am also part of their Facebook support group.”
This will be the third year of fundraising for Laura and Tom. They started their awareness-raising journey three years ago, just four months after Arthur was born, “My husband and I hiked Snowdon and I also hosted a bake sale at the primary school where I work. Then last year, we hiked Scafell Pike and the children took part in a colour fun run at school.”
For 2024, Laura and Tom set the challenge of trekking the highest mountain in Britain. Laura said, “The hike up Ben Nevis was hard work, but good fun and for such a good cause. The weather was great for the visibility which made it all the more worthwhile when we reached the summit. Ben Nevis was the highest of the three peaks we have climbed for CLAPA and was a challenge, but we were spurred on the whole way by the fantastic support we have had.”
“Ben Nevis was the highest of the three peaks we have climbed for CLAPA and was a challenge, but we were spurred on the whole way by the fantastic support we have had.”
This year, alongside the enormous effort of hiking Nevis, Laura told us “We also did a ‘wear it blue’ day and bake sale at the primary school where I teach. My husband also got involved in his work with a CLAPA money box.”
For Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Day this year, CLAPA asked its supporters to ‘Wear it Blue’, the charity’s branded colour. The activity was to help spread awareness of the 1 in 700 babies born with a cleft lip and palate in the UK every year.
Laura said, “We want to say a huge thank you to all of our friends and family, the wonderful staff and clients at Maskell and Josephson Opticians where Tom works. And Gaskell Primary School for helping us raise an incredible £1800 this year for Awareness Week.”
“It has been such a rewarding experience completing the three national peaks for CLAPA and raising over £4,000 across the three years for this charity that is so close to our hearts.”
“I would encourage anyone to take part in fundraising for CLAPA, especially if they have a special connection to the charity and their work. They are such a great charity to support as they do not receive any government or NHS funding and rely on the generosity of the public to support their community and raise awareness.”
Thank you Laura and Tom for your generous fundraising efforts. If you’d like to take part in a challenge for CLAPA, we have a wide variety of activities to take part in.
