THE businesswoman behind a monumental movement to bake free homemade cakes to NHS staff and shielding adults has delivered her 10,000th cake.

Lily Newman, from Whitegate, was inspired to get baking after watching a viral video of a nurse in tears at ransacked supermarket shelves when shoppers were stockpiling food in March.

She vowed to ensure that those risking their life on the frontline and those stuck at home with limited social interaction had some sweet treats to enjoy.

And after finding the recipe to success and to celebrate reaching the 10,000 mark, she decided to deliver a homemade cake to Dawn Bilbrough – the critical care nurse from York who kickstarted her campaign.

“After working back-to-back shifts, Dawn found that there was no food at the supermarket – no fruit or veg to keep her and her exhausted colleagues healthy as they battled on the front line,” Lily said.

Northwich Guardian:

Tasty treats were baked for staff and residents at Lostock Lodge Care Home

“My intention was to bring smiles and cake to the doorsteps of our nation, and after more than four months of flat out baking, I delivered our 10,000th cake to her to say thank you on behalf of all of my heroic bakers who have got onboard.

“The campaign has been an emotional one, taking me to the doorsteps of families who have lost loved ones, people who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses during lockdown and exhausted nurses, doctors and paramedics, as well as lonely elderly neighbours.

“There has also been joy in getting to know people that I have never met, having a laugh on the doorstep and celebrating birthdays.”

After starting the scheme in March, initially aiming to deliver 1,000 cakes, Lily floated the idea on social media to see if anyone else would like to help.

And she was inundated with volunteers inspired to do something to show their appreciation for key workers and to brighten the day of those shielding.

Lily’s eldest recipient was Joan, who was locked down in Whitegate with her son Keith and daughter-in-law Sue, and she was thrilled to receive a cake on her 99th birthday.

Northwich Guardian:

Whitegate resident Joan received a #CakeOfKindness on her 99th birthday

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign – every baker, deliverer or provider of ingredients,” Lily added.

“Our team of heroic bakers have been delivering to nursing homes, doctor’s surgeries, post offices, specialist care units, Leighton Hospital, Victoria Infirmary, supermarkets and poorly and vulnerable people across Cheshire.

“I also want to say thank you to Dawn, who helped the nation to see the desperation of the situation for our NHS staff, and to thank every person who has fought for the lives of our loved ones and kept this nation going in the most difficult of circumstances.”