Your stories

Read stories from other young people, and submit your own to share with the UK's cleft community.

Share your story

Reading stories from other young people born with a cleft is one of the best ways to know that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone.

You can browse stories below or share your own story through our simple form.

Latest stories

Browse the latest stories and interviews with young people and adults talking about growing up with a cleft.

Megan’s story

Megan has a unique place in CLAPA’s rebranding story – as both a member of the creative brand team and our own community.

Kazzi’s story

Kazzi talks about growing up with a cleft – after being adopted from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta – and finding CLAPA.

Danielle’s Story

“I was in absolute agony with an horrendous tooth infection and couldn’t get anyone to treat me.”

Share your story

You can share your story and photos through our simple form.

If you’re under 18, we’ll need permission from a parent or carer before we can share your story.

Prompts and questions

Not sure where to start in telling your story? The following questions are prompts to think about what to include in your story. You don’t need to answer all of them if you don’t want to – what’s important is your story includes what matters to you.

  • What were your experiences with surgery and treatment?
  • Were there any challenges you didn’t expect or you weren’t prepared for?
  • Do you talk to your friends about your cleft? How do they respond?
  • What is one piece of advice you wish you’d received when you were younger, or one thing you wish you’d known?

Share Your Story