Nadia's lockdown idea is the icing on the cake

A Rochdale student has been using her passion for baking to put smiles on the faces of hundreds of care home residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

After hearing stories about older people missing out on visitors, 17-year-old Nadia Riley decided to try and cheer them up, baking cakes at home and delivering them to grateful residents.

Over the last nine months she’s made and delivered a vast assortment of over 5,000 tasty cakes and sweet treats to fifteen residential care homes, from lemon drizzle cakes, shortbread and chocolate truffles to fruit scones, raspberry buns and peanut butter cookies.

Nadia explained: "During the first lockdown last year I was seeing on the news about people stuck in care homes not able to see their families or have visitors… and I just wanted to do something. I figured most people appreciate a cake with their tea or coffee, so maybe donating cakes could cheer a few people up. That was all I wanted to do really, and luckily my family were up for helping me out and taking over the kitchen once a week!"

Sara Murray, deputy manager from Fieldhouse Care Home in Rochdale said: "Getting a delivery from Nadia really brightens everyone’s day. As well as the cakes themselves it’s such a kind and caring gesture that is really appreciated, it warms your heart, Nadia is a gem!"

Following Style's social media post about Nadia and her incredible baking efforts, the Rochdale student received a surprise delivery!

One of our readers contacted us wanting to thank Nadia for her kindness and hard work by sending a beautiful bunch of flowers. The generous individual preferred to remain anonymous so we acted as the go-between to arrange a delivery from Spotland-based florist Funky Floral Design.

Nadia commented: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the lovely flowers. It was an unexpected, kind and considerate gesture from one of Style’s readers. I’ve also read several warm and generous comments from readers online and have been touched by these. No doubt this will encourage me to continue to bake and donate. Thank you again!"