Somerset Cricketer Tom Kohler-Cadmore Highlights CLAPA Support for New Parents
New dad shares how charity helped him and his partner navigate life with a baby born with a cleft lip
Last updated 14th Sep 2025
Tom explains how he first got involved with the charity: “It was actually all from the 20-week scan. One of the midwives told my partner about CLAPA and they'd be in touch. Very shortly afterwards, CLAPA were in contact, and from that point on, they settled us down, answered any questions, and really helped us out.”
He describes the difference the charity has made: “It’s been incredible… my partner was alone at the time, she had no idea what it meant or how to deal with it. Without them, it would have been impossible to find out the information that actually mattered. CLAPA told us all the information we needed in a really helpful way and switched our mindset from feeling upset to knowing he's going to be a perfectly healthy baby.”
Dougie is thriving so far, Tom says: “He’s feeding really well, gained lots of weight, a really good boy, happy baby… and we've had support from six or seven different experts, including a psychologist we can speak to whenever we need.”
Tom acknowledges the challenge ahead with Dougie’s surgeries: “It’s going to be a difficult time… but it’s for the greater good, for his whole life. His smiles at the moment are so beautiful, and soon he’ll be just a very normal little baby again.”
CLAPA chief executive Claire Cunniffe explains the charity’s work: “We support people from diagnosis all throughout adulthood. We provide specialist feeding bottles, opportunities to meet others, advocacy, counselling, camps for young people… for every stage of life. One in every 700 babies in the UK is born with a cleft—around three babies a day. Families often have no idea what it means, so awareness and support are key.”
She adds that public figures like Tom make a real difference: “Having someone like Tom helps raise awareness, normalises cleft, and ensures parents hear about support right from diagnosis. Every bit of awareness potentially reaches someone who might donate, fundraise, or share their story.”
Tom says he is grateful for CLAPA’s support and is enjoying life as a new dad: “The charity has been amazing. It’s taken the thinking away from us and made everything much more manageable. It’s a huge comfort to know we’re not alone.”
CLAPA also runs mentoring programmes, online support, and residential camps, helping children and families navigate challenges from birth through adolescence, all funded entirely by fundraising. Claire Cunniffe says, “We receive no government or NHS funding. Every penny is raised by supporters, many of whom have lived experience themselves.”
The charity has recently launched the 700 Challenge for October, encouraging people to do 700 of anything- steps, push-ups, reading pages - to raise awareness and funds.