Charity calls on the UK to help raise vital funds for children with brain injury this May
Calling all sweet tooths! One of the nation’s favourite foodie weeks is back, as National Doughnut Week returns from 16 to 24 May – giving people across the UK a simple way to treat themselves while raising funds for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury.
Bakeries and cafés nationwide will be serving up everything from classic glazed favourites to rich chocolate-topped doughnuts, jam-filled treats, caramel drizzles and creative new flavour combinations. From familiar favourites to eye-catching doughnut creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the week.
National Doughnut Week brings together bakeries, workplaces and communities across the country to celebrate one of the nation’s best-loved treats – all while raising vital funds to support children and families rebuilding their lives after brain injury.
Keen bakers and community groups can also get involved, rolling up their sleeves and hosting their own doughnut sales – whether at school, in the office or in their local area – helping to raise additional funds in a fun and simple way.
Funds raised during National Doughnut Week will help The Children’s Trust provide specialist rehabilitation, education and care to children and young people when they need it most. Every year, 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness. This can mean a child suddenly losing the ability to walk, talk, eat independently or play – often overnight.
The Children’s Trust’s specialist teams work closely with each child to rebuild these skills and live their best possible lives – through physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and more. For families, the impacts can be life-changing. It can mean hearing their child’s voice again, seeing them walk again or reconnect with siblings and friends, or watching them regain their independence and sense of self.
Ryan Gaskin, Group Leader Traditional Trade at CSM Ingredients, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the skill and creativity of bakers nationwide during National Doughnut Week. We invite everyone to visit their nearest participating bakery and treat themselves to a doughnut as a ‘mini escape’ during their day, while also raising funds for such an important charity. You can expect to see bold flavours, indulgent fillings, themed collections and toppers during this exciting week.”
Michelle Martin, Director of Fundraising and Communications at The Children’s Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be part of National Doughnut Week again this year. The creativity and generosity of everyone who gets involved – from bakeries and cafés to schools, community groups and colleagues hosting bake sales at work – helps us continue providing specialist rehabilitation and care to children with brain injury and neurodisability when they need it most.”
National Doughnut Week was founded by Christopher Freeman, a fifth-generation baker from Dunns Bakery in North London, who created the campaign as a way to bring the baking community together for charity. Since 2005, National Doughnut Week has supported The Children’s Trust, a partnership Christopher says has been driven by a shared belief in making a meaningful difference.
Christopher said: “Some years ago, I had the brainwave that I should use my bakery experience and my contacts for a good cause – and doughnuts are something that almost all high street bakers sell on a daily basis, so the concept of National Doughnut Week was created. We started working with The Children’s Trust because we were inspired by their energy and enthusiasm, and by the fact that we could make a real difference to children with brain injury, helping to support the fantastic work they do. This year, we’re excited to keep that momentum going – bringing even more bakeries and communities together, raising vital funds to support children and families across the UK.”
Since National Doughnut Week began, the campaign has raised more than £1.18 million for charitable causes, including more than £670,000 for The Children’s Trust. Today, the campaign remains a family effort, with Christopher, his wife Christina and son Lewis – a sixth-generation baker – working together to encourage participation from bakeries across the UK.
All administration costs for the campaign are covered by sponsors CSM Ingredients, meaning funds raised go directly towards supporting children and families.
Customers can find their local participating bakery here.
Image: Depositphotos
