When Joanne Simmons found out her unborn son had a cleft palate she said her “world fell apart”.

Despite being a staff nurse at Eastbourne District General Hospital the 35-year-old had no idea about the life-long issues her child would face.

Specialist nurses told Mrs Simmons and her husband Dan that their son may have to deal with speech and hearing problems, as well as scarring and potential bullying.

But Mrs Simmons said her fears went out of the window when Oliver was born and she fell in love with her gorgeous baby.

Now 12 weeks old Oliver is happy and healthy but he will need a number of operations to close his lip and throat.

Mrs Simmons, from Seaford, said she wants to raise awareness of the condition that affects one in 700 babies born in the UK and money for the charity The Cleft Lip and Palate Association.

Mrs Simmons has so far raised £350 for Clapa, which she said has given the family “invaluable” support.

She is walking from Volks Railway in Brighton to the West Pier and back on May 10 in aid of the charity. To donate visit www.virginmoney giving.com/team/oliverssmile.