Colleagues and some of the people we support from Affinity Supporting People, a part of National Care Group, came together on Friday to judge their baking contest organised to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.

Bakers from their supported living services across the north west met at National Care Group’s head office in Accrington, joining the nation in wearing pyjamas to mark the occasion.

Competitive tension could be felt in the air as the judges formed their positions. Chris Knowles, a person supported by Affinity, was appointed Head Judge accompanied by fellow judges, Natalie from the Quality Team, Clare from the Marketing Team, and their Regional Manager, Leah.

In a Bake-Off style process, the judges scored the bakes, which included ten cakes and some flapjacks, on taste and appearance.

The Winner

First prize went to the people we support from a service based in Accrington for their Lego cake. The judges were wowed by the design and presentation.

The Runners Up

A joint second prize went to Dom for his incredibly moreish flapjacks and to Andrew for his stunningly presented chocolate and lemon Pudsey log cake – it scored really highly on both taste and texture.

The winners received a chocolate hamper and a Paul Hollywood style handshake from Head Judge, Chris.
Leah Whelan said:

“It was amazing to see everyone come together for such a good cause. Ten services took part in entering a wonderful bake into the competition.

Inter-service events are so important in supporting people to meet up with friends and have a safe space to have fun.

Whilst I took my role as judge extremely seriously, the real value was seeing everyone come together for a coffee and a catch-up.

Events like this don't organise themselves, I was extremely proud of all our NCG colleagues and the leadership team who organised the event and supported people to create their beautiful bakes.

Affinity’s donation to BBC Children in Need was the cherry on top.”

Chris Knowles – Head Judge said:

“I took my role as Head Judge very seriously. It was a tough contest, the craftsmanship that went into all the cakes was amazing and I appreciated every one of them for their individual qualities.

Well done to everyone on their huge effort for a great cause.”

Going the Extra Mile

The amount raised on the day was a brilliant £250.90 however, it didn’t all come from the baking contest.

Some of the people we support decided to go the extra mile!.

They completed a 1.75 mile sponsored walk on the morning of the contest, also in their pyjamas, raising an additional £147 for the charity.

Thank you to all colleagues and the people we support across NCG who were involved in raising money for BBC Children in Need.

For more information on Affinity Supporting People visit: View – National Care Group