My name is Sophie Butterworth. I work with the cleft team in Newcastle and also as a clinical researcher at Newcastle University. I sit on the research steering committee at CLEFT and want to help fundraise so that we can support more research studies to help improve care for people born with a cleft. When my three kids were young I loved having the excuse to make, paint, sew and create with them. I love pretty much all crafts and my favourite day out was attending Makers Faire events.

I challenge you all to create and raise funds for our great charity. You have until the end of 2026 to raise funds.

The task is simple, make whatever you can, sell it and send the money to CLEFT!

Our first fundraising target is £20.26, which we think is achievable for a school age child. You could encourage your child's class or even whole school to participate and to hold an event for all the parents to come and buy your crafts. It is also possible children could set themselves a personal target outside of school to raise funds. If a class of 30 pupils all can raise £20.26, CLEFT will receive over £600. If a whole school participates this could generate thousands of pounds.

The next target is £202.6, if you want to set yourself a real challenge, this may be more suitable for young adults in college or university, or adults wanting to take part with a local club or on an individual basis.

Our final task is the ultimate challenge and only for seasoned crafters, to see if they can raise £2,026. Whatever you think you can achieve we will be forever grateful and together we will be able to support this amazing cause.

Sophie Butterworth