John Hunter Children’s Hospital staff bake-off returns to raise funds for Share the Magic of Christmas appeal

newy.com.au – Staff at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle have swapped scrubs for spatulas again, holding the Big Bake for Little Lives for a second year to raise money for the hospital’s Share the Magic of Christmas appeal.

The festive bake-off is part of a broader fundraising push that organisers say helps fund patient experience improvements, capital projects that benefit children receiving care, and practical assistance for families facing financial pressure during long periods of treatment.

More than 60 entries were received across three categories, with hospital staff and members of the wider hospital community invited to bake and submit their best Christmas-themed creations.

Special guest judge Reece Hignell, from Newcastle’s Cakeboi and a former MasterChef Australia favourite, was on hand to taste, judge and crown the winners.

In the “Overall Showstopper” category, Erin and Tracy from the hospital’s ADHD team took out top honours with a meringue Christmas tree with pistachio cream.

The “Best Christmas Treat Treasure” prize went to Brooke, an occupational therapist, for a pavlova, while the “Ultimate Family Sweet Tradition Showdown” was won by Glen, the parent of a former Children’s Hospital patient, for his “Toblerone Knockoff”.

John Hunter Children’s Hospital General Manager Matthew Frith, who initiated the baking competition, said the idea grew out of what he was hearing from staff across the hospital. “The Big Bake idea came about as I was meeting with teams across John Hunter Children’s Hospital. It didn’t matter which ward or unit I was in, there was always talk of cakes and impressive morning teas,” he said.

“Baking for others is part of our social fabric and I thought, what better way to strengthen our team than by introducing a bit of healthy competition,” Frith said.

He said the event had become a way for people across the hospital community to contribute to the Christmas fundraising appeal. “The event is a fun and meaningful way for our hospital community to come together and support the children and families in our care,” he said.

The hospital is encouraging the public to donate to the Share the Magic of Christmas appeal through its JustGiving campaign, with fundraising to continue through the Christmas period.