Izzie’s Story
Keen gymnast Izzie decided to take on a challenge a few months ago to raise money for CLAPA! She raised an incredible £280 and we are so inspired by her determination. Here’s her story.
Hi, I’m Izzie! I was I was born with cleft lip and palate and talipes. I am 8 years old. I was bullied when I was younger because of my nose and how I spoke. I moved schools because I got bullied and had a nose operation to make my nose look better.
I have had 8 operations in total! I have worn hearing aids and I have had a tonne of speech therapy in my lifetime. I have also had lots of plaster casts on my feet to correct my bent feet.
My new school is amazing and gives me lots of opportunities. It is also a kind, nurturing school where I have loads of help and support from all of my lovely teachers!
I also do gymnastics and recently I set myself the challenge of doing giants on the bar at gym and raised lots of money for CLAPA. I also do cake sales and I will be doing more challenges as I get older.
I also do gymnastics and recently I set myself the challenge of doing giants on the bar at gym and raised lots of money for CLAPA. I also do cake sales and I will be doing more challenges as I get older.
My mum has a kid’s activity centre and for anyone with a cleft lip or palate they get free entry! The clubhouse has a soft play and a gym and I spend most of my time there when I’m not at school. The clubhouse also raises money for CLAPA.
I think my biggest fear is performing in front of others but I’m getting really good at this now and I have amazing support from my friends and family. Things like gymnastics competitions and public speaking really help me push myself. I’m very competitive also and I think this has helped me so well in the things I do! I am goal shooter in netball and I have also scored loads of goals this term for my school team.
I think my biggest weakness is that I’m never quiet! My surgeon gave me the best mouth and smile and I find it hard to keep it shut! I always chat and run around all of the time. Mummy says “Izzie you’re exhausting, but I wouldn’t change you at all!”
