Aprons at the ready... it's time to get baking

Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People is encouraging people to put on their pinnies and take part in the Big Bake as part of Children's Hospice Week.

Hosting bake sales and coffee mornings will help the charity to raise money to support its work caring for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Although based in Boston Spa, a third of the children and young people the charity cares for are from Bradford district.

The hospice is joining forces with national charity Together for Short Lives for Children’s Hospice Week which is themed around ‘Moments that Matter’ and runs between June 17 and 23.

It aims to raise awareness of the support children’s hospices give to families, and this year focusing on the role hospices play in helping families make special memories together.

Clair Holdsworth, director of care at Martin House, said: “Baking is a popular activity with families when they stay at Martin House. It’s one of the many simple things most of us take for granted, but can be a really special moment for a poorly child or their brother or sister.

“We thought getting people to hold their own Big Bakes in their offices, or at school or with friends would be a good way of celebrating one of these ‘Moments that Matter’ and to raise money for Martin House.”

Martin House cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire, along with their families. Its care includes respite stays, support in the home, end of life care and bereavement support.

Clair added: “Children’s Hospice Week is a chance to open the door on what palliative care means. Our team give specialist, holistic care to children and young people with often very complex needs, and we are here for families in the saddest times.

“But children’s hospice care is also about giving families’ special times together, a chance to create memories and have new experiences – from baking to days out, making art and music, and so much more. Coming to Martin House can have a huge impact on the whole family.”

You can download a Big Bake poster from

or contact appeal@martinhouse.org.uk or call 01937 844569.