A significant number of children in India are born with a cleft lip and palate deformity. Too poor to access medical help, many are left unable to eat or speak properly.

The physical, psychological and social implications of being born with a cleft lip and cleft palate cannot be underestimated. Many are teased because of their appearance and inability to communicate. There is great social isolation and stigma that results from being born with such a deformity in a developing country.

Imagine a parent’s distress at not being able to afford corrective surgery that would transform their child’s life, giving them hope for the future.

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Information

The solution

By addressing the defect causing these problems, children can be given the chance of a brighter future.

Northern Cleft Foundation provides free corrective surgery to children in India, born with cleft lip and palate deformities. Each operation, costing on average just £200, has a hugely positive impact on each child treated.

Outreaches are held in India, in host hospitals, once a year. Our foundation funds travel expenses for families and their children living as far as 200km away, enabling those excluded by poverty the chance of a brighter future.

To date we have given over 1500 children a smile for life

We work to the same standards as those in the NHS. Surgery is led by consultant cleft surgeons, anaesthetics is led by consultants (a large number paediatric trained) and trainee doctors in cleft surgery and anaesthetics are given supervised training.

Our team give their time and expertise

Our ever-growing team of specialist doctors, nurses and support staff are volunteers from across the North of England. They give of their time and expertise and the majority fund their own travel costs.

We leave a legacy for the future

As well as training UK doctors, we provide expertise and training to local staff working in the hospitals where we operate. This provides them with the knowledge and skills to disseminate best practice and continue the good work.

We have given over 1500 children a smile for life –
with your help we can keep changing lives.

TEXT NNCF37 £2/£5/£10 to 70070