This Army Vet with a Cleft Is Embarking on a New Operation

The first 15 years of Paul Mellor’s life were marked by frequent trips to Pendlebury Children’s Hospital for cleft surgeries and other treatments, as well as regular visits to specialised dentists.

When not at home or in the doctor’s surgery, he often felt like an outcast. “Children can be very cruel and adults stare!” he recalled.

Paul’s path to confidence was winding but sure. While his cleft initially affected his self-belief, he found strength in joining service-minded organisations like the Cubs, Scouts, and Cadets. These experiences — and the close friends he made there — built his confidence and inspired him to enlist in the Army once he was old enough.

His service changed everything. “The Army was the final confidence trip. The green cloak made me feel special in some way. I loved being part of a huge team,” he said. “I learned very early that military banter was incredibly harsh, but we all did it, so I knew not to take it to heart.”

Paul served in the Army for nearly 24 years, primarily in Germany and the UK, with deployments to several major theatres of operation. After starting as a young Gunner in the Royal Artillery, he rose to the highest rank achievable, Warrant Officer Class 1. His dedication was recognised with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, along with multiple operational medals.

A key highlight of his career was deploying to Iraq as a Battery Sergeant Major, where he commanded 112 troops for six months, successfully bringing them all home without any loss of life — something he remains immensely proud of.
 

Sport played a huge role in Paul’s Army life, too. He represented the Army in both hockey and golf and stayed active with swimming and running. His time in the military, its challenges and its achievements, not only shaped his leadership skills but also strengthened his self-assurance, helping him navigate life with a facial difference with confidence and resilience.

Now, Paul is training his talents and energies on a new form of service: supporting others with clefts through Smile Train UK. He first came across the organisation through a TV advert and was inspired to get involved. “I know only too well that I would not be the individual I am today without having had the surgery I was afforded [on the NHS]. I want to help change the lives of children around the world to feel the same confidence, and to live and love life as I have,” he said.

“I want to be able to put my head on the pillow at night and know I made a difference in a positive way to a child’s life. Every day!”

He focuses on organising events that will raise public awareness of clefts and funds for Smile Train, ensuring all children around the world likewise have access to the surgery and other comprehensive cleft care they need to thrive. His first effort was hosting a “Captain’s Golf Day” at his club, which raised £9,210.

Not content to rest on his success, he’s gearing up to take his involvement one step further by encouraging other clubs across the country to host their own fundraising golf days.

“Looking ahead, I want to expand our fundraising to raise even more awareness for children with clefts,” he said. “We plan to invite celebrities and sports stars to our charity events, which will help enhance the visibility of both the events and the clubs involved. By doing this, we can make a greater impact and ensure that more children around the world receive the life-changing surgery and care they deserve.”