Muddy Marathon raises £1,200 for Cleft Lip and Palate Association

April 16, 2024

It was a muddy start for couple Ian and Ruth Lasseter as they took on the challenge of the Lulworth Half Marathon on the 24th February.

Ian and Ruth chose to take on the feat for Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) as their youngest daughter, Hannah, was born with a cleft palate in 2014.

Ruth said: “We were fortunate to receive help and support from CLAPA and the CLAPA community at many stages along the way in the last nine years.”

Running a total of 14.6 miles with elevations of 2070 feet and a dose of rain to start off their journey, the challenge was not for the faint hearted. But with the support of love ones, Ian and Ruth stepped on. “It was great to have family members cheering us along at points and to meet Ian at the end…who had finished some time before me!” said Ruth.

“Our daughter, who cheered us along, was also proud to know that people want to support the work of CLAPA, and help others like her who have extra challenges to deal with as they grow.”

Commenting on the challenge, Ruth said “The scenery was beautiful – I had been looking forward to running along the coast with the sea in sight and was blessed with sunshine at the most scenic parts of the course. Many runners were stopping to take photos and soak up the scenery and not just the mud!”

The couple raised over £1,200 for CLAPA Ruth said, “To know that others were willing to support a cause that was close to our hearts was humbling.”

“After sending messages asking for support, I found it so exciting to see people donating so quickly and sending encouraging messages. It was special to have messages from friends who also have experience of cleft and were also excited to share the message about CLAPA’s help and support” Ruth continued.

Thank you Ian and Ruth, and well done for raising over £1,200 for CLAPA.

Inspired by Ian and Ruth? Find out about your local fundraising challenges for CLAPA.

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