Teen supports children's charities as ambassador

A teenager who was born with a cleft lip and palate and multiple other health conditions is now supporting work to help other young people.

Thomas, 14, from Surrey, needed specialist care and multiple operations from an early age, which was challenging for both him and his family.

When he was a baby, his family was introduced to the Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) charity, which is supported by BBC Children in Need and has helped the family over the years.

The teenager has been selected as a BBC Children in Need Ambassador for Do More Good Week - a campaign run by music and motoring festival CarFest to highlight the impact of money raised for children's charities.

Thomas was also born with a visual impairment and scoliosis and has received treatment for both.

As he grew older, he built confidence and connected with other young people by taking part in residential trips and activities through CLAPA.

Now a member of CLAPA's Children and Young People's Council, he helps to create resources such as surgery guides, training materials and youth-led projects to support others.

"They've helped me through a lot, especially around my operations," he said.

"Being part of the Children and Young People's Council means I can help other young people feel less alone and make things like hospital visits a bit less scary."

As part of this year's initiative, CarFest hosted a track day at Silverstone, where ambassadors could take part in go-karting at the circuit.

Chris Evans, radio presenter and founder of CarFest, said the festival, which will be held at Silverstone in August, was about making a "genuine difference", adding that Do More Good Week was an opportunity "to shine a light on the incredible young people and families".

Claire Hoyle, BBC Children in Need interim chief executive, said: "With funding from initiatives like CarFest we're able to fund brilliant people like project workers or counsellors in projects such as CLAPA, who help young people feel understood, supported and less alone."

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