Two care home directors based in the South have raised thousands of pounds for charity after taking part in a national cooking challenge.
Jayne Holloway and Maria Stefea, Regional Directors at Barchester’s South Division, represented Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy at the 2025 Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off.
The friendly competition saw them go up against directors from four other regions to raise money for the Foundation, which provides grants to help people living with a disability or in isolation access their local communities. The event raised a total of £31,000.
Jayne and Maria impressed the judges with a three-course meal including a salmon mousse, Chicken Cordon Bleu and a Lava Cake, followed by afternoon tea treats of mini lemon and raspberry upside-down cakes. Their efforts earned them the Best Presentation award.
The Foundation, which operates across England, Scotland and Wales, gave out £335,000 last year, helping more than 100 individuals and over 200 local organisations.
Mevin Sohorye, General Manager at Upton Bay, said the team were “very proud” of Maria and Jayne for stepping up to the challenge.