Expert community NHS staff will be aiming to avoid a soggy bottom when they swap medicine for marzipan during a super-sized charity bake off.

The Great North Walsham Bake Off will take place tomorrow (November 29) to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. It has been organised by Annette Yeomanson, Community Matron with Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) to raise money in memory of her best friend Tracey Howard, who passed away in January aged just 43 following a battle with breast cancer.

Following Tracey’s death, Annette pledged to complete a year of fundraising, and has so far raised £1,600 by holding car boot sales, a “jazz and jam” concert, and raffles. She is hoping to boost that total to £3,000 by the end of year with funds raised by the bake off and sponsorship for running the Virgin London Marathon, in April.

The bake off, inspired by the popular BBC2 competition, will take place on Tracey’s birthday. It will see 20 contestants from NCH&C and colleagues from social services bring their best breads and choice cakes into work for judging by Chief Executive Michael Scott and Assistant Director for the North Norfolk area, Rebecca Cooper – NCH&C’s very own Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry.

Annette’s colleagues from NCH&C’s Learning and Development team, Darren Sayer and Becks Buss, will play the parts of Mel and Sue to help judge the competition before first, second and third prizes are awarded. All of the cakes made for the contest will then be sold to NCH&C and social services staff to raise money for the charity.

“Tracey was such a fantastic friend that I wanted to do something special in her memory,” said Annette, who works for the North Walsham Integrated Community Nursing and Therapy Team, and lives in Barton Turf.

“She always had a smile on her face and throughout her illness she was incredibly brave and positive. We spent a lot of our time having tea and cake together, so this seemed a good way to raise money.

“I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received from my friends and colleagues, who have been just so generous and happy to help. We’ve not only got our own Paul and Mary, but also NCH&C’s equivalent of Mel and Sue, which should make the judging a lot of fun!”

Tracey lived in North Walsham all of her life and worked as manager of two residential homes. She became firm friends with Annette in 2002, shortly after Annette moved to Norfolk.

“Tracey was the first real connection I made after moving to Norfolk,” added Annette. “We used to meet up regularly for a coffee and chat, and would go shopping or on spa days. She was really good fun to be around and we used to laugh a lot together and confide in each other.

“I’m sure she would be proud of my fundraising efforts, but would probably also think I was completely mad!”

As well as organising the bake off, Annette is about to begin training for the marathon – which she is looking forward to with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

She added: “Tracey’s illness developed quickly and she passed away just over a year after her diagnosis. She inspired my year of fundraising for the Breast Cancer Campaign, which culminates in the London Marathon in April.

“I didn’t start running until Tracey became ill and I entered the Race For Life for her. Since then, I’ve taken part in a half marathon in Barcelona, in February, and completed the Amsterdam Half last month.

“I’m now a member of the Coltishall Jaguars running club, who have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Losing Tracey has given me a whole new aspect to my life.

“Although I’m nervous I’m also really excited to have won a place in the London Marathon. I want to raise as much as I possibly can in Tracey’s memory to help this excellent charity.”

Anthony Abel, Tracey’s fiancé, said: “Annette has put a fantastic amount of effort into raising money for this great charity. Annette was a great best friend to Tracey and we’re really proud of everything she’s done.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the Breast Cancer Campaign can visit Annette’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Netty-Yeomanson

 

www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk