Who we are
The European Cleft Organisation was established in July 2007 and is based in The Hague, Netherlands. It was set up as a pan European partnership between service users (patients and parents) and health professionals involved with their care. This is reflected in the membership of the board which comprises patient representatives and health professionals in equal measure (see below). Central to the organisation’s philosophy is that patients and user groups must work in partnership with health professionals, throughout Europe, to enhance cleft care.
Our Board and Staff
Founding member Gareth Davies was born with a cleft lip and palate and have first-hand experience of the issues faced by those growing up with a cleft.
Gareth Davies
Executive Director and founder member of the European Cleft Organisation and former Chief Executive of UK Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA).
Annend Hardoar (Treasurer)
A tax lawyer who has been working for 20 years in the business and has been providing fiscal and financial services for national and international clients. He is also a member of the registered tax advisors branch (RB) in the Netherlands.
Peter Mossey
Consultant orthodontist in Dundee, Scotland, experience of successful networking with EU and WHO representatives.
Nigel Mercer (Chair)
President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, consultant cleft surgeon for the South West cleft service in the UK. Nigel has previous experience of working with charities/individuals striving to improve cleft care in Russia.
Martin Persson
A psychologist, who has worked in over 30 national and international projects with a particular focus upon psychosocial, health and educational issues, especially around disfigurement
Sue Carroll
Former Deputy Chief Executive of CLAPA in the UK and specialising in communications, strategic development and financial control