Dante’s 3rd Fundraising Challenge is a Hit at PH

Dante Valaydon-Pillay the new South Wales Fundraiser of the Year Pride of Gwent Award 2023 winner and who also won the grand title of overall winner of the Prize of Gwent Award has just completed the 3rd of his 12 charity challenges to raise money for Children in Need.  He started his ambitious 12-month fundraising challenge in October by climbing 210ft up the Clifton Gorge and abseiling down 90ft, then in November he ran 5 laps of Tredegar Park with Newport Parkrun and completed an impressive 5k. On December 20th, he undertook his 3rd challenge by baking over 50 individual Christmas cakes for the elderly residents of Penpergwm House, Abergavenny.  Dante arrived at the residential home to be greeted by Nikki Burridge, the Catering Manager and cook, and excited residents. The home looked lovely and was beautifully decorated with a big Christmas tree, and decorations and there was a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Armed with his chef’s hat and Children in Need apron Dante made his way to their amazing professional kitchen. Dante had already been over to Penpergwm House a few weeks back to plan their ‘bake off’ so he was familiar with the kitchen and the health and safety protocols.  Nikki Burridge an award-winning cook who herself has won many cooking awards for her fantastic food creations was on hand to guide Dante and share some of the ‘tricks of the trade’. One of the elderly residents said, “Nikki is a brilliant cook, and every meal’s fresh and absolutely delicious!” Before starting Dante said. “I’m excited now and can’t wait to get on with it, I’m looking forward to weighing the ingredients and using the big mixer”.After combining all of the ingredients, spooning them into individual cases, and cooking them in what Nikki described as ‘the best oven ever’ it was time for a short lunch break while they cooled. Dante mingled with the residents who loved having a young person to talk to. Even the residential cat Smokey Jo joined in the fun!

After lunch, it was time for the creative bit! It was all systems go as Dante and Nikki rolled out fondant icing and handmade edible Christmas decorations. Placing the cakes, icing, and decorations onto a trolly Dante wheeled them out to the residents who had gathered in eager anticipation. There were gasps of delight, and residents exclaimed, “How lovely” and “Bless him” when he emerged with his hoard of Christmas cakes. A resident said, “Isn’t it lovely to see a young person fundraising in this way… isn’t he brilliant!”.

Dante is a music scholar at school, so as they enjoyed their cakes Dante had prepared a selection of Christmas carols to perform for them, which added to the Christmas atmosphere. All in all Dante’s 3rd charity challenge in aid of Children in Need went very well and it was a success! Afterward, he said, “I had a great day and loved meeting and cooking for the residents. I’d like to thank the Managers Georgie Llewelyn and Tracey Williams for making it possible for me to do this challenge and a big ‘shout out’ to Nikki for her baking guidance”.   In January he’s on to his 4th charity challenge and plans to spend a day with Manager Jon Slocombe and the team at Newport Foodbank, who won the South Wales Argus Pride of Gwent Charity Award for 2023 at a glittering awards ceremony on December 7th.