Bake-off at Hampshire Clinic raises cash for Basingstoke NeighbourCare

The team at the hospital, in Old Basing, raised £300 for Basingstoke NeighbourCare from the contest after they were inspired by the popular BBC TV show, The Great British Bake Off.

The contest saw staff and consultants create their own baked masterpieces in a similar style to the television show, and the end products were later sold to patients, visitors and staff.

The bake-off was organised as part of a year-long calendar of events to raise funds for Basingstoke NeighbourCare, which is based at The Orchard, in White Hart Lane, Basingstoke.

Participants were judged on their tasty creations in three categories, including the “Show Stopper Celebration Cake” which was won by Claire Broad, the hospital’s clinical lead for the ear, nose and throat department and gynaecology surgery.

Housekeeper Jasmin Lambert was declared the winner of the “Baker’s Dozen” category, and Amanda Thomas, personal assistant to the executive director and director of nursing, won the “Signature Challenge Sponge” award.

NeighbourCare’s patron Lady Portsmouth thanked staff for their efforts after judging the entries in each of the three categories.

She added: “I was bowled over by the stunning array of cakes produced by the hospital staff at The Hampshire Clinic Bake-Off event.

“The cake designed as a hospital operation scene in the “Show Stopper” category was so inventive, and there were so many other beautifully and intricately decorated cakes. It was difficult to choose the winners.”

Bruce Robinson, executive director of BMI The Hampshire Clinic, added: “Basingstoke NeighbourCare is our chosen charity for 2014 – our 30th anniversary year – and we’re well on our way to raising a significant sum.

“The Hampshire Clinic team chose to make the charity our fundraising focus for our special year, and we want to raise as much as possible to help the team of selfless volunteers at NeighbourCare to continue their great work.”