From an afternoon at the Artworker's Guild to a nomination for Charity of the Year, find out all our latest news here.
1.33 million people applied for the London Marathon 2027. For the first time ever CLEFT has a guaranteed place. We are looking for someone incredible to run the London Marathon for CLEFT. Could that person be you? Read more
CLEFT Chairman Brian Sommerlad joins the Do One Better podcast to share four decades of experience in cleft care across the UK and low- and middle-income countries. In this compelling 28-minute conversation, he reflects on what sustainable global cleft care truly looks like - and why lasting change depends on training, trust, and partnership. Read more
Join Justin King in conversation with journalist Matthew Gwyther, alongside Brian Sommerlad, Co‑Founder of CLEFT, as they discuss leadership, values‑driven organisations, and the power of business and charity working together to create meaningful social impact. This event will particularly appeal to those with an interest in the business world, corporate philanthropy, and the strategic leadership of charities and purpose‑driven organisations. Read more
In October 2024, CLEFT-funded clinicians travelled to Kyoto, Japan for the 15th International Cleft Congress, joining 1,400 delegates from 96 countries. Sophie Butterworth presented groundbreaking hearing outcomes research, Joshua Kennedy showcased UK-Nepal collaboration through CLEFT–Bridging the Gap, and Imogen Underwood shared vital speech outcomes findings. Their presentations demonstrate how CLEFT's investment in research creates real improvements in care for children with clefts worldwide. Read more
Children with a cleft palate are more likely to experience hearing issues due to middle ear problems. Early monitoring and treatment are key to supporting speech, language, and overall development. Read more
CLEFT is seeking a trustee with fundraising expertise to join its Board and help guide the charity’s governance, financial health, and strategic direction. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact and play a critical role in helping CLEFT achieve its charitable goals. Read on to find out more! Read more
Take part in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Spires Cleft Centre on the 16th and 17th May, with a two-day hybrid educational event for those in the field of cleft care, to commemorate two decades of transforming lives together! Read more
As part of the lead-up to the CFSGBI Conference, two webinars explored key themes in cleft and craniofacial care, from advancing research to building global partnerships. These sessions offered practical insights and international perspectives aimed at improving outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and shared experience. Read more
What a year 2023 has been! We've celebrated all our fundraisers' achievements and have been in awe of their amazing achievements. From jumping out of planes to walking to the top of mountains in the stifling heat, here is a roundup of some of the highlights! Read more
Barts and the London Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgical Society National Undergraduate Conference 2024. Read more
One of our primary aims is to focus on multidisciplinary and comprehensive care for all children, young people and adults affected by cleft. Speech and Language Therapists play a vital role in the delivery of multidisciplinary care and enable patients to achieve their potential. One of CLEFT's trustees and recently retired speech therapist, Marie Pinkstone, shares why working with colleagues overseas has played such an important part in helping to build a stronger multidisciplinary team. Read more
I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to take up the Chair of CLEFT International steering committee, having joined the expanded charity as a Trustee some 3 years ago. From the outset, I have been impressed by the generously outward facing nature of CLEFT, reflecting a commitment to widening access across the globe to high quality, locally delivered, fully comprehensive care for those with cleft and related conditions. Read more
Chloé Rolland, a cleft specialist orthodontist who is on the CLEFT International Steering Committee is giving a webinar for the Circle of Cleft Professionals this June: 'Cleft Orthodontics: Reducing the Burden of Care' Read more
Back in February 2023, the Great Ormond Street team of clinicians visited the National Institute of Burns and Plastic Surgery in Bangladesh with Mirror journalist, Nick Sommerlad and photographer, Rowan Griffiths. Read more
At the beginning of January 2023, CLEFT proudly joined the Face Equality International Alliance. This is a group of NGO's, charities and support groups working together to promote the campaign for 'face equality'. Read more
CLEFT was very proud to have been elected the BDSA’s Chosen Charity for 2021/22. Not only did this mean that CLEFT was the recipient of a generous donation of just under £3,000 but this connection also helped to spread awareness of the work we do to this important body of students. As possible cleft professionals of the future, we were delighted to forge a relationship with the BDSA. Read more
Christie’s will be presenting a group of ten contemporary artworks by artists with links to the Indian subcontinent in their Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale in London this October. All proceeds of the sale are being donated to CLEFT. Read more
The 14th International Cleft Congress took place in July 2022 and we were very pleased to support the visit of some of our international colleagues to this important conference. Read more
The new CLEFT student section was six months in planning and eventually launched in September 2021. We celebrate their enthusiasm and contribution here, Read more
Matt Fell and Brian Sommerlad presented at the Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland conference in September 2021 on Global Cleft Care. Read more
Our first live event since 2019 took place on the 27th September at Thorndon Park Golf Club in Brentwood, Essex. Read more
David Sainsbury is a Consultant Cleft and Plastic Surgeon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and a CLEFT trustee and is interviewed by Rachel Lapham, a CLEFT volunteer, who also has a repaired cleft lip and palate. This fascinating podcast gives a really good insight into what cleft provision is like in the UK. Read more
Rosie O'Malley shares her story on video as part of CLEFT's launch week to celebrate its new, expanded CIO status. Read more
Bruce Richard shares his personal experiences of working and living in Nepal. Read more