As someone who is known for beaming like a Cheshire cat at the sight of most things, I cannot imagine not being able to do so. I take the ability to show my happiness or amusement for granted, and am lucky enough to live in a society where my appearance does not affect my suitability for employment (it must be something else!). Therefore, I am running the Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time, and aim to raise £3000 in support of Smile Train.

Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Millions of children in developing countries with unrepaired clefts live in shame, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing and speaking.

It is not just a personal problem, however, but an economic one. In many developing countries, children are not allowed to go to school and adults cannot hold down jobs, due to their disfigurement. Cleft repair surgery is quick, simple, and affordable, and the transformation permanent and immediate.

It costs just £150 for a single cleft repair surgery, and your money will help to empower local doctors in over 85 developing countries to provide free cleft repair surgery in their communities. Funds raised will not be going into research, but straight into an operation, giving a child their first smile and a second chance to lead a much healthier, happier life.  

For more information about Smile Train's  work around the world, please visit www.smiletrain.org.uk/around-the-world and help change the world, one smile at a time.

Also, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.