CLEFT

Call for Research Proposals 2026

We invite researchers to submit high quality proposals for research grants of up to a maximum of £60,000. Proposals should focus on either clinical or basic science questions relevant to CLEFT’s research objectives. We welcome applications for smaller grants. Read more
Who's Advertising Dermal Fillers to People with Cleft - and Should We Be Worried?

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
A Manifesto for Our Shared Future in the Cleft Community

CLEFT – Bridging the Gap unites leading clinicians, researchers, and families worldwide to improve cleft care through research, collaboration, and shared experience. By combining medical expertise with the voices of those personally affected, we drive innovation, strengthen international networks, and ensure access to lasting, high-quality treatment across borders. Together, we are building a future of better knowledge, better care, and better lives for generations to come. Read more
Supporting Psychological Wellbeing in Nepal

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

We aim to provide long-term, sustainable ways to bridge the gap in cleft care and knowledge in the UK and overseas

Introducing Standardised Developmental Assessment in Nepal's Cleft Care Programme

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.

Development of an automatic scoring software tool

A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can objectively score facial appearance after cleft lip surgery using photographs, offering a more accurate measure of surgical results. The AI tool is being refined with new data, with the goal of helping cleft teams determine the most effective surgical methods for better outcomes. This pioneering research is currently being undertaken at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Royal Parks Half Marathon

Run through four of London’s Royal Parks with Team CLEFT and support children born with cleft lip and palate worldwide.

Development of new speech assessment at The National Institute for Burns and Plastic Surgery

In collaboration with Dhaka University, a culturally tailored speech assessment tool has been developed for Bangladeshi children at the National Institute for Burns and Plastic Surgery cleft centre. This project focuses on creating a Bangla-specific assessment, complete with a picture book, to ensure accurate speech evaluation that reflects the local language and culture.

Our impact

1 in 700	children is born with a cleft palate.
£40	the cost of a cleft operation on a baby in a low-income country.
£250	cost to give treatment over a lifetime.

Make a donation

Please select a donation amount (required)

£250

Can cover the lifetime cleft care needed for one child in a lower income country, including operations, speech therapy and dentistry.

£50

Can cover the cost of a cleft lip and palate operation in a low-income country by paying for essential anaesthetic and suture material.

£25

Can provide vital speech and language therapy resources - like mirrors, games, and picture books - helping a child with a cleft develop clear speech and confidence.

£5

Can pay for 5 dental kits to provide patients and parents in Bangladesh with tools and education to improve dental hygiene.

Other

Set up a regular payment Donate

100% of your donation will go towards funding an international or research project thanks to a charitable trust covering all our administrative costs until April 2025.

Fundraisers' Stories

The Next Generation of CLEFT Champions

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
My Happy Place, My Greatest Challenge

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
40, Fearless, and Falling for a Cause

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
Saigon to Angkor Wat Charity Cycle for CLEFT

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
A Splashing Success at Swim Serpentine!

We are delighted to announce that our swimmers raised an incredible £12,595 (plus Gift Aid) at this year's Swim Serpentine, making a huge splash for CLEFT! The dedication of our nine swimmers, combined with the generosity of their supporters, will help us continue funding vital medical research and surgeries for children in need. This kind of success is transformative for a small charity like ours, and we’re excited to build on it in future events. Read more
Team CLEFT take on RideLondon-Essex 100

Team CLEFT had six incredible riders take part in RideLondon-Essex 100 on Sunday May 28th 2024. They embarked on an exhilarating journey through the streets of London and the picturesque lanes of Essex, all united by a common goal: to raise funds and awareness for CLEFT. With every mile pedalled and every hill conquered, they brought us closer to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by cleft lip and palate. Read more

Our impact

1 in 700

£40

£250

Make a donation

Fundraisers' Stories