International news

Nepal

David Sainsbury gave a fascinating report at the last Trustees meeting following his visit to Nepal in early May. He was full of praise for the inspirational head of the Kathmandu centre, Shankar Rai, but was able to identify areas where CLEFT might support the work of the local cleft team. We heard about the supply and quality of the specialised instruments that are used in cleft repairs and we were given an unusually detailed insight into what equipment is used and how practices differ between cleft teams. The overriding message was that the UK has outstanding training and that our theatres are resourced with the very latest equipment necessary for the best outcomes for cleft patients. We have much we can share with lower and mid-income countries but we can also learn from them!

Kirtipur Hospital, Kathmandu

Fundraising news

For the first time in two years, the world class Ride London race took place at the end of May. CLEFT had a small number of supporters ride for CLEFT but they did a really fantastic job. Not only did they complete the route in spite of what felt like four seasons in one day but they also raised thousands of pounds for CLEFT.

As always, we are truly grateful for this kind of support. It allows us to plan for new projects, such as in Nepal, and it allows us to invest in research.

Pictured at the top of this email is the Hays family, cycling together for CLEFT and enjoying a family day out! Pictured below is Richard Thomson wearing his CLEFT shirt with pride.

     

Forthcoming events

Chamber Concert

We’re very sorry to report that the Chamber Concert for CLEFT was postponed after Kaye Knowles tested positive for Covid just two days before the event. The musicians are currently looking for another date on which to hold the concert and those who’ve bought tickets will be invited to attend on the new date or receive a refund.

The venue and programme will remain the same. The venue will be All Saints Church, 63 Church Street, Isleworth, London TW7 6BE (on the banks of the Thames!) and the programme will consist of Percy Grainger’s Molly on the Shore for String Quartet, Dvorak’s ‘American’ String Quartet and Elgar’s Piano Quintet. The concert will be followed by refreshments. Once the new date is finalised people will be able to buy tickets from the CLEFT website. Tickets cost £15 each which includes a glass of wine or soft drink after the concert.

Berlin marathon anyone?

CLEFT keeps an eye on possible challenge events for its supporters and is currently considering purchasing a small number of places at the Berlin Marathon for September 2023. This is known to be a fast course and Berlin is, of course, a beautiful city to visit, so do register your interest below. Participants will be asked to raise £2000 for CLEFT.

Our remaining runs in 2022 include two new events to CLEFT - The Great North Run (11^th Sep) and The Great Bristol Run (25^th Sep). We also have just a few places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon (9^th October) so book your place soon to avoid disappointment.

CLEFT – 15 years old or 1 year old?

The month of May saw the 15^th birthday of the original CLEFT charity but the anniversary of becoming a national charity approaches in July!

The Fundraising Committee and Student Section are busy organising events to mark the anniversaries. News to follow in the next newsletter.