Staff and residents at Awel y Mor care home are celebrating after their managing director helped win a charity cook-off that has raised more than £53,000.
ANGELA BRADFORD, Managing Director of Barchester Healthcare’s Central Division, led her team, the Pressure Cookers, to success in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.
The team, made up of managing directors and a hospital director from five of Barchester’s divisions, competed against members of the organisation’s executive team, known as the Rolling Scones, in a culinary showdown aimed at raising funds for the charity.
While the competition crown was at stake, organisers say the real winner was the Barchester Charitable Foundation, with the event raising an impressive £53,000 so far to support vulnerable people and those living with disabilities.
The Foundation provides grants to help improve mobility, independence and quality of life by connecting individuals and community groups with local support networks. In 2025 alone, it distributed £424,000 to 262 charities and community groups, as well as 123 individuals across England, Scotland and Wales.
The Pressure Cookers impressed judges with a menu featuring a selection of starters, mains, desserts and afternoon tea items. Their Lobster Bisque with chive crème fraîche and croutons was singled out as a particular highlight.
Other dishes included Cod Loin with beetroot, asparagus and champ mash, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry, White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake, Rhubarb Crumble Custard Tart, and a Sausage Plait with red onion chutney that judges described as exceptional.
Speaking after the victory, Angela said: “I am so proud of how we handled ourselves under pressure – the team name was very apt – and how we all pulled together to support each other and get the job done.
“The dishes we created looked amazing and were delicious, if I do say so myself. I was especially proud of the Lobster Bisque.
“We absolutely smashed it out of the park, but the icing on the cake was the amount of money we raised thanks to the support of all our homes. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated.”
Awel y Mor General Manager Rachael Woolley praised Angela and her fellow competitors for their achievement.
She said: “We are all in awe of Chef Angela – is there nothing she can’t do?
“All of the managing directors did a brilliant job and raised so much money. They are an absolute inspiration to us all.
“The Foundation is a cause very close to all our hearts, so this is a remarkable achievement.”
Donations are still being accepted through the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026 fundraising campaign.
