Businesses rise to baking challenge for autism charity

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) has launched its ‘Little Stars’ appeal to raise £5,000 to provide free parent-and-toddler groups.

As part of the appeal, a Festive Bake-Off has been organised to tie in with the conclusion of the latest series of Channel 4’s Great British Bake-Off.

And popular television presenter Pam Royle, who is a patron of NEAS, has been visiting some of the North East businesses taking part to give Star Bakers a ‘Royle handshake’.

First stop was Darlington Building Society, where Chief People Officer Helen Easton was declared Star Baker for a spectacular Santa-themed chocolate sponge with raspberries and butter icing.

Helen Easton gets the Royle handshake (Image: Chris Barron) Helen admitted to receiving “invaluable help” from her four-year-old grandson, Ollie, in making the winning cake.

Ollie helping to make the winning cake (Image: Helen Easton) “Darlington Building Society has been working closely with NEAS in recent years, and both Ollie and I were delighted to take part in a fun way to support such a fantastic charity.”

Woodlands Hospital, which is part of the Circle Health Group, also took part in the bake-off, with staff nurse Elaine Shanks-Burt emerging as Star Baker in recognition of the quality of her chocolate cake, alongside her lemon cupcakes, and winter spice cupcakes.

Elaine said: “I enjoy baking, so it was lovely to get involved in aid of a wonderful cause. I just hope everyone enjoys my cakes!”

Pam Royle with staff from Woodlands Hospital (Image: Chris Barron)

• To find out more about the appeal, go to www.ne-as.org.uk/little-stars-appeal

BHP Law was another business to get baking on behalf of NEAS, with Pam choosing Daisy Van Leer as Star Baker for her “tasty and perfectly baked” sausage rolls.

Daisy, a personal assistant in the family law team, said: “It’s a nice surprise to be named the winner and we all had great fun supporting a great cause.”

Not only Pam Royle but Pru Leith and Paul Hollywood join in the fun at BHP Law (Image: Chris Barron) Pam said: “It was a really tough job having to sample all those delicious bakes – but someone had to do it!

“Seriously, the Little Stars appeal is so important because the parent and toddler groups, which are provided entirely free of charge by NEAS, are a lifeline for many parents.

“It was wonderful to see such high-profile businesses getting behind the Festive Bake-off, and to meet so many lovely people during the judging process. I can honestly say there wasn’t a soggy bottom in sight!”

NEAS Chief Executive, John Phillipson, added: “It’s been heart-warming to see so many businesses and individuals supporting our Little Stars appeal and we can’t thank them enough for rising to the challenge.”

The Little Stars appeal is continuing in the run up to Christmas and businesses and individuals can still organise bake-offs. They can also take part in a Jolly Jumper Day on December 12, or simply make a donation.