Our Promise to You Expand A gift in your Will could help shape the future of cleft care around the world. If you choose to remember CLEFT in this meaningful way, here’s what we promise in return: You are not bound by your decision, and you can change your mind at any time. We understand that your family, friends and loved ones come first, and we fully respect that. You will never feel any pressure from us - the choice to leave a gift is yours alone. You don’t have to tell us, but if you do, we’d be truly grateful. It would give us the chance to say thank you and keep you informed about the work your gift could one day support. If it is your wish to support a specific project, we’ll do our best to honour your wishes. If that’s ever not possible (for example, if a programme has ended), we’ll ensure your gift is used in a way that reflects your intentions as closely as possible. We will use your gift carefully and responsibly, to make the biggest impact on the lives of children born with cleft conditions.
Contact Us Expand If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will to CLEFT and you would like some further information please complete our contact form below. If you have already included a gift in your Will then you can also let us know using the contact form below. You are under no obligation to tell us but, should you choose to do so, we would love the opportunity to thank you and to keep you updated on the sort of work that your gift might one day help to fund. Contact Us Alternatively, please contact Melanie Baldwin, Chief Operations Officer, at [email protected] or on 07533 963438.
Why I’ve left a gift to CLEFT in my Will – Mel’s story Expand Melanie Baldwin – Chief Operations Officer at CLEFT "I want every child to have the chance to find their voice - just like my son did." When Melanie Baldwin’s son, Noah, was born with a cleft palate, he was treated at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, by a dedicated and compassionate cleft team. Melanie describes the medical professionals as “kind, committed, and always going above and beyond.” Their care, from surgery through to speech therapy, had a life-changing impact. Today, Noah is thriving. Though he still has occasional check-ups, he’s doing brilliantly. This is all thanks to the skilled team that supported him, including a surgeon who was trained by CLEFT’s co-founder, Brian Sommerlad. But the journey wasn’t easy. At the age of three, Noah couldn’t speak. Melanie and her family used Makaton to communicate, unsure if he would ever be able to express himself with words. “I hadn’t realised how vital speech is, not just for school, but for relationships, for making friends, for work later in life. It touches every part of who we are.” That experience inspired Melanie to include a gift to CLEFT in her Will, a gift she hopes will give other children the same chance. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been born in the UK, where access to specialist care is available. But around the world, so many children born with cleft conditions still can’t access treatment or speech therapy. I want my gift to change that, to help more children find their voice, just like Noah did.”
Madhavi Seshu Consultant Cleft Orthodontist, Alder Hey Hospital Liverpool Expand My interests are working with parents to address inequalities in cleft care and working with colleagues internationally to develop collaborations which are culturally and economically relevant.
Weronika Holt Weronika brings a unique perspective to CLEFT, shaped by her lived experience as a patient receiving medical care for cleft lip and palate across different countries. Expand Having seen cleft as a lifelong challenge and source of resilience, she understands first-hand the complexities of treatment and the profound impact it has on individuals and families. This personal journey has fuelled her deep passion for addressing the stark inequalities in cleft care worldwide. She is committed to helping eradicate these disparities so that every child, regardless of where they are born, can access the treatment they need. As a trustee, Weronika’s role is to enable the research and development that CLEFT undertakes in the UK and internationally, by fostering meaningful engagement and funding. She is honoured to contribute to making a difference in an area she knows all too well, ensuring that progress continues towards equitable, sustainable cleft research and care globally
Lotus Tannish Junior Doctor, Prague Expand I graduated in General Medicine from Charles University and am passionate about pursuing a career in Plastic Surgery. Understanding the global impact of cleft conditions, I was delighted to be involved in the Student Section three years ago and am now excited to continue my contribution as a Junior Doctor in the Trainee Section. Being part of the CLEFT team is inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive group, even from abroad. I can’t wait to see all the work we’ll accomplish this year.
Romilly Nicholls Foundation Year 2 Doctor, Northern Ireland Expand I am a Foundation Year 2 doctor currently working in Northern Ireland. I hope to specialise in Plastics and pursue a career in Cleft Surgery. My interest in this field was first sparked during a student-selected component at university. I was inspired by the profound impact this work has on the quality of life of children born with cleft lips and palates. I am excited to be working within the trainee CLEFT team this year and look forward to raising awareness through organising projects and outreach events.
Anna Chiara Corriero Surgical Trainee, Edinburgh Expand My name is Anna, and I am a Plastics-themed Core Surgical Trainee based in Edinburgh. I am delighted to be joining the CLEFT trainee team and feel privileged to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful community. During this time, I am eager to build on my previous cleft-related experience, including a paediatric plastics elective during medical school and several research projects that I have completed and presented internationally. These opportunities have introduced me to the strong sense of collaboration and support within the cleft community, and I am very much looking forward to deepening my involvement through this role.
Connor Fox Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee, York Expand I am a Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee who has recently graduated from Newcastle University, with hopes to work and train in maxillofacial surgery. I was first made aware of CLEFT and their work during my time at university where I joined the student ambassador team, all of which has sparked my interest in cleft lip and palate. Last year I raised nearly £700 through a series of bake sales in Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as helping to organise some other events across the North of England. I am looking forward to contributing towards the Trainee team this year and contributing towards CLEFT’s overall mission!
Aisha Sadueva Dentist and Medicine Graduate, Prague Expand I am a dentist and a graduate of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague. I have a longstanding interest in cleft lip and palate, with a particular focus on the treatment in regards to functional and aesthetic aspects of dentition in affected patients. I learned about the CLEFT charity through colleagues and was impressed by the impact of its work in supporting individuals in need. I am honoured to be part of the team and to contribute to raising awareness of the organization and its mission.
Afra Rahim Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, South London Expand Hello! My name is Afra and I’m a Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) with an interest in paediatrics and oral surgery. I studied dentistry at the University of Sheffield, graduating with honours in 2024. My curiosity around global health began during my undergraduate elective in Brazil, where I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing dental care. This experience shaped my ambition to contribute to improving equity in oral health, both at home and abroad. Now based in South London, I’m thoroughly enjoying my OMFS training post at King’s College Hospital, and embracing every learning opportunity that comes with it. Outside of work you’ll usually find me running, flowing through a yoga class, or bakery-hopping my way across London in search of the city’s best treats! I’m also a keen traveller, baker and creative, my current goal being to master crochet and the perfect sourdough loaf. As a new member of CLEFT’s trainee section this year, I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the team and can’t wait to get involved in all the exciting things ahead!
Lorenzo Verani Surgical Trainee, Wessex Expand Hi, I’m Lorenzo. I am a plastics-themed Core Surgical Trainee in Wessex and a graduate of Imperial College London, with a strong interest in pursuing a career in cleft surgery. I became interested in cleft surgery during my medical school elective in Italy, where I was exposed to cleft care and its positive impact on patients and their families. I was drawn to CLEFT's commitment to improving cleft care in a permanent and sustainable way through a combination of education, outreach, and fundraising, both in the UK and internationally. I am particularly excited to join the trainee section to help raise funds and awareness, and to support the charity’s wider educational and outreach activities.
William Lytle Psychiatry Resident, Prague Expand I am a psychiatry resident in Prague with an interest in how health conditions affect self-image and mental well-being. I was introduced to CLEFT by friends while I was still in medical school and was immediately impressed by how directly the organisation works to reduce social stigma. This connects closely with my field, where confidence, identity, and social inclusion are central themes. I am interested in supporting children and families affected by cleft conditions and helping promote understanding, acceptance, and access to care.
Matthew Hotton I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist based in Oxford, leading psychological services for the Spires Cleft Centre across Oxford and Salisbury. Expand I provide specialist input throughout the cleft care pathway, supporting children, young people, and families from diagnosis through to transition into adulthood. In addition to my cleft work, I lead the psychology provision for the Oxford Craniofacial Unit and the Oxford Facial Palsy Unit. I am BABCP-accredited and integrate cognitive behavioural approaches into my clinical practice where appropriate. I also serve as Lead for Research Quality Enhancement and Continuing Professional Development at the Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research (a partnership between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford). Alongside clinical work, I contribute to service development and multidisciplinary team consultation, with research interests in psychosocial adjustment, identity development, and patient experience in cleft and craniofacial care.
Chris Williams Chris has spent much of his career working in the charity sector, currently as CEO, where his role focuses on fundraising and organisational development. Expand Throughout his professional life, the experiences that have stayed with him most are the human ones - seeing how practical support, compassionate care, and community can restore confidence, dignity, and hope for individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, Chris understands first-hand the lifelong impact of specialist care, timely support, and the reassurance that comes from knowing you are not facing challenges alone. This personal experience gives him a deep appreciation for the work that organisations like CLEFT do for children, young people, and families. Alongside his background in fundraising, Chris brings broader experience in charity governance, financial oversight, risk management, and long-term planning. He understands how strong governance and sustainable income enable staff, volunteers, and clinicians to deliver life-changing impact for the people they serve. Having seen first-hand how the right support at the right time can transform lives, he is keen to contribute his time and experience to organisations that make a tangible difference and is delighted to support CLEFT as a trustee.