Research news

The research steering committee is pleased to present a poster at the CLEFT International Conference, which takes place in July 2022. The poster gives information on the research arm of cleft and how it works.

The committee has put out a call for research proposals and is delighted that due to the recent successful fundraising is able to offer up to £50,000 for a project. In addition, this is first time since CLEFT became a national charity that researchers from all over the UK are invited to apply for funding. The closing date for proposals is 30th September 2022. Information on how to apply and advice for researchers is available on the CLEFT website. It is expected that there will be a good response. It remains the case that the causes of cleft lip and palate are, in most cases, unknown.

International News

CLEFT is funding or part-funding the visits of several of our colleagues from Dhaka in Bangladesh, Sulaimania in Kurdish Iraq and Sri Lanka to attend the 14th International CLEFT congress in Edinburgh from 11th-15th July. Several of them are presenting papers and will be participating in panels and workshops. It will be a chance for them to meet cleft clinicians from around the world and for them to tell others about their experience. CLEFT is holding a reception on one evening, this has been paid for by donors - not from CLEFT funds. Our visitors will be able to meet with CLEFT trustees, steering committee members and other guests. We look forward to what we hope to be a very important event for CLEFT.

Fundraising news

There have been many fundraising events since the last newsletter. In fact, it’s been a bumper few weeks! Here are some of the highlights.

Challenge events, both official and unofficial, prove to be popular and supporters are always happy to reward the discipline, training and endurance that is needed and thereby contribute to CLEFT funds. Our students Mahaveer and David climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland while Ashley, Olivia & friends from Birmingham City University climbed Snowden, in Wales (pictured below left).

The postponed Chamber Music for CLEFT took place on 17th June on the hottest day of the year (so far) but a good audience turned out for an evening of music which was followed by a welcome cold drink after the concert (pictured below right). The concert raised £600 and it is hoped this might become an annual event for CLEFT.

         

Forthcoming events

Great North Run

We still have places in this year's Great North Run although the cut-off date for registering is fast approaching. If you are interested in taking part, we would really love to hear from you - just click the link below!