Staff and residents at Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells, Somerset, are celebrating because their wonderful Managing Director, Angela Bradford, from Barchester's Central Division, is stepping out of her comfort zone to compete for culinary supremacy in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

Swapping their business suits for chefs' whites, Angela and her fellow Managing Directors from Barchester's five divisions are going head-to-head with members of Barchester's Executive team to cook up a storm and raise vital funds for Barchester's Charitable Foundation.

The Charitable Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life. Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales. In 2025 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £424,000 which enabled the charity to provide vital help to a staggering 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals in one year alone.

Angela and the other MDs are keeping their cards very close to their chests regarding what they will be cooking but they have been practising hard. Angela comments: "I am passionate about the Foundation so I jumped at the chance to be able to raise funds and give back. I love cooking but I am usually just feeding the family so this will be rather different. I am extremely competitive and I know my team mates are too, so we will absolutely give it everything we've got to win!"

General Manager of Crandon Springs Care Home, Darius Ivana, adds: "We are all so proud of Angela for taking part in this challenge, we know she will give it her absolute best shot! The Foundation is so close to all of our hearts and the Cook Off will raise vital funds to help so many people, we're 100% behind her – MDs for the win!

To support Angela, visit her fundraising page at: Barchester's Charity Cook-Off 2026 | Barchester Healthcare