Hospice patients hold bake-off contest (From The Oxford Times)

Hospice patients hold bake-off contest

2:00pm Saturday 19th January 2013 in News

AN OXFORD hospice is to stage its own version of hit television baking show The Great British Bake Off.

The Douglas House Bake Off, at the hospice for young adults in Magdalen Road, will be on Tuesday, February 5.

Four young women who are keen bakers and receive respite care at the hospice, all of whom have life-limiting conditions, will compete to make the best cupcakes or muffins.

There will also be categories for staff at Douglas House and Helen House, which provides respite care for children.

The event was the brainchild of Fleur Perry, 23, from Swindon, who has spinal muscular atrophy and visits Douglas House.

Staff are coming in voluntarily to partner the girls as their physical conditions mean most are unable to cook independently.

Miss Perry said: “I have been baking all my life. When I was younger I ‘helped’ my mum and granny bake, usually by licking the bowl. Nowadays I love experimenting with new recipes, flavours and techniques, and of course I still lick the bowl afterwards.”

Oxford-based economic analytics company OXERA has donated money to hire four ovens for the day, while Oxford Bunting is donating bunting.

Professional cake maker and decorator Tracey Mann, from Princes Risborough, will judge the cakes and to lead a workshop in making chocolate roses.