All Aboard The Smile Train

Two inspiring young men go the extra mile to support this life-changing surgical charity

- Tom Mackinnon

Despite an incredibly difficult start to life, Nathan Abbott has overcome many obstacles to become the man he is today.

Born with a severe cleft lip and palate, he’s had 30 surgeries, with more to follow, to correct his condition.

That’s not where his problems end, though. Nathan suffered horrific bullying, especially at secondary school, so much so that he was forced to drop out in year eight.

“My school had over a thousand pupils. Walking through the corridors was very intimidating as people would give me funny looks, mimic me, and call me names,” said Nathan.

“Over time the bullying became worse.

“I remember one day I was hit over the head with a bag containing studded football boots.”

He made the decision he wasn’t going to let the bullies affect him any more, dropping out of school to avoid the relentless attacks.

A year studying at home gave Nathan the confidence to return to education, as well as a passion for swimming. A switch to a new school changed his life.

The support of the new school, teachers and his fellow students – something he’d never experienced before – helped him find the confidence that hadn’t been there as he was growing up.