Edition 124 International news The Maliniac Lecture Mr Brian Sommerlad, founder and Chairman of CLEFT attended The Maliniac Lecture by clicking the link below. If offers a view of cleft care around the globe drawing on Mr Sommerlad's personal and professional experiences.Mr Sommerlad tells us a little about Dr Jacques Maliniac (1889 – 1976) who was interested in collaboration, education and equality. One of his main acts was to set up a plastic surgery unit in a public hospital in America (where he emigrated in 1923) and he also created the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Mr Sommerlad’s lecture focuses on the inequality between and within countries. He highlights safety, access and quality of cleft care as being the keys to good outcomes. We learn how even in high income countries quality is not necessarily assured. He talks movingly about his own experiences during visits to countries throughout the world and we are reminded of the debilitating effects of poverty and war. Surprisingly we learn about the damage that has been done by Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to cleft lip and palate patients when the sustainable element of cleft care is ignored.The video leaves the supporter of CLEFT with a renewed sense of the importance of our charity and how we can make a difference both in the UK and abroad. Brian Sommerlad pictured above with a patient The Maliniac Lecture Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland (CFSGBI) Conference This took place 19th - 21st April in Cardiff. The meeting was chaired by Helen Robson who is a member of both the Research and International Steering Committees of CLEFT. This years theme was 'Courage, Compassion & Care'. Brian Sommerlad was a keynote speaker at the conference but it was also an opportunity for cleft clinicians from around the UK and Ireland to share their findings on areas of interest around cleft care.CLEFT had a table at the conference to raise awareness of the charity within the cleft community.Pictured below is Tracy Morris, Trustee and Chair of our Fundraising Committee, at the CLEFT stand. Fundraising CLEFT is celebrating its 16th Birthday May is CLEFT's birthday month and we are celebrating the hundreds of lives that have been changed due to the continued support from our amazing supporters.We want to mark this special occasion by thanking the dedicated team of professionals, fundraisers, volunteers and supporters and by promising to continue the important work we do for children born with cleft lip and/ or palate.We have lots of fundraising suggestions on our website or you can give a gift today by clicking the button below and making a donation. You too can make a difference to a child born with cleft! CLEFT Birthday Donation London Halloween Walk On Saturday 28th October join this spooktacular fancy dress event as a fang-tastic family or terrifying team while walking through some of London's scariest streets and raise vital funds for CLEFT.This event begins at the Oval Cricket Ground and is organized by Ultra Challenge. Ultra Challenge guarantee a walk to remember and it's blood curdling good fun! Sign up by clicking the button below London Halloween Walk 2023 The Great North Run 20th September 2023 If you were inspired by the recent London marathon, don't miss your chance to join Sir Mo Farah in his last ever professional race in the world's largest half marathon.Sign up now, there are only a few places remaining. Run for fun while fundraising! We are offering students a 50% discount on the entry price so don’t delay and register today. You will be given tips and advice on how to reach your £250 target and registration also includes a running shirt. The Great North Run 2023 Manage Cookie Preferences