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
Seven clinicians from Bugando Medical Centre in Tanzania are set to visit Wales in June 2026, marking a major milestone in the Bugando & Wales Cleft Team Partnership. It's also a visit that has taken enormous effort, dedication, and no small amount of heart to make happen. Read more
Many adults with cleft are turning to the commercial aesthetics industry for treatments the NHS isn't providing. A new research project is examining whether the way these services are being advertised is safe, honest, and fair. 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
Understanding Children’s Strengths and Needs: This initiative marks an important step forward in holistic, multidisciplinary cleft care in Nepal. Through the partnership work between UK cleft clinicians and the Nepali cleft service, the Nepali staff team has grown to now include a full-time speech therapist and psychologist. The project aims to meet a recognised need for better assessment of children’s development with the introduction of a structured and standardised assessment tool. Read more
This policy sets out our commitment to fundraising in a legal, honest, and respectful manner. It covers how we protect vulnerable individuals, handle donor data, manage complaints, and oversee large donations. All third parties fundraising on our behalf must meet the same standards, Read more
This academic year, students from universities across the UK and beyond have thrown themselves into fundraising and awareness-raising for CLEFT, organising everything from netball tournaments and pub quizzes to crochet workshops and surgical skills evenings. Their creativity and enthusiasm have already made a real impact - both in funds raised and in spreading the word about cleft conditions to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Read more
In September 2025, Leanne took on the Super Six at Swim Serpentine - a gruelling 6-mile open-water challenge - raising an impressive £1,645 for CLEFT. Driven by a personal connection, she completed the swim and ranked highly in the women's category, proving that with the right cause and the right training, anything is possible. Read more
When Emily turned 40, she decided to mark the milestone by doing something that genuinely scared her - a skydive in aid of CLEFT. What followed was one of the most exhilarating experiences of her life, raising funds and awareness for the charity while inspiring her kids to want to do the same one day. Read more
CLEFT values the contribution of our Trainee Section members and wants to ensure that out-of-pocket expenses are not a barrier to getting involved. This guidance explains what costs can be reimbursed and how to submit a claim. 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
Despite ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, CLEFT’s partnership with the cleft team at the National Institute of Burns and Plastic Surgery continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of local clinicians and support from our Chairman, Brian Sommerlad. Read more
This policy outlines CLEFT's commitment to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We aim to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Read more
This policy provides guidelines for the safe, ethical, and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by CLEFT. AI can greatly enhance productivity and innovation, but it must be used responsibly and in alignment with our mission and values. The goal is to leverage AI’s benefits (e.g. saving time on routine tasks, improving services) without compromising confidentiality, accuracy, or trust. Read more
This policy outlines CLEFT’s commitment to preventing and addressing bullying and harassment in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines and UK employment and equality laws. Read more
Leaving a gift in your Will to CLEFT is a powerful way to create lasting change for children born with cleft lip and palate. Your support can help provide treatment, training and research that will transform lives for generations to come. 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
This page outlines important terms and conditions for researchers receiving funding from CLEFT. Please review the reporting requirements, financial guidelines, and acknowledgment expectations to ensure compliance throughout your project. Read more
Researchers funded by CLEFT are asked to acknowledge the charity’s support in all publications, posters, and presentations by using the CLEFT logo and an appropriate funding statement. Full guidelines cover how and where to include these acknowledgments, as well as how to tag CLEFT on social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Read more
Access the required forms for researchers funded by CLEFT. Use these to report on project progress, annual updates, financials, and your final outcomes. Read more
Professor Yvonne Wren shares practical tips on turning good research ideas into funded projects, emphasising five essentials: coherence, consistency, clarity, consideration, and compelling storytelling. Drawing from her experience on grant panels, she offers insights into writing for diverse reviewers and navigating the funding process effectively. Read more
Six CLEFT supporters joined a team of 18 riders to cycle nearly 450km from Vietnam to Cambodia, raising vital funds along the way. Read about this unforgettable journey across two beautiful countries, packed with adventure, culture, and camaraderie. Read more
At CLEFT, we’re working in respectful partnership with local cleft teams in Nepal to support the integration of psychological wellbeing into everyday care, recognising that emotional support is a vital part of the cleft journey. Rather than exporting UK models, our focus is on co-developing sustainable, culturally appropriate approaches that build on the strengths and insights of Nepali healthcare workers. Read more