Butterfly Bake returns to Claire House Children’s Hospice

Children at Claire House Children’s Hospice are donning aprons and chef hats as the charity launches its much-loved Butterfly Bake for 2026.

Claire House is calling on supporters to get their mixers out and ovens preheated as the community comes together to help ‘raise some dough’ for the Merseyside hospice.

The charity helps seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults, and families like Ash James and Shell Roberts, whose daughter Emmy died at nine months old. 

Mums Ash and Shell said:

“As Emmy fought through complex health needs, Claire House stood beside us, visiting us in hospital, supporting our daughters, Freya and Layla, and making sure we weren’t alone. 

“Their support didn’t end after Emmy’s funeral. Claire House walked with us through grief, another pregnancy, and offered sibling groups and bereavement support. And they continue to help us keep her memory alive.”

The Butterfly Bake is named after the specialist bereavement care provided by Claire House to families when a child has died. Last year, the hospice supported 124 babies, children and young adults at the end of their lives, at home, in the hospice or in hospital.

Families, businesses and groups, as well as nurseries, schools and colleges, are invited to get involved. Whether it’s cakes, cookies or something savoury, supporters are encouraged to bake and sell their tasty treats to help fund Claire House’s Butterfly service, which supports families through some of the toughest times.

Cora Shafto, Community Engagement Manager at Claire House, said:

“Our Butterfly Bake has become such a special fundraiser, and by running it for longer this year, from January right through to March, we’re hoping even more people can get involved.

“Our Butterfly Coordinators support families through bereavement. And every bake sale, coffee morning or tray of homemade treats helps us be there for them when they need us most.

“Whether you’re a confident baker or just fancy giving it a go, taking part really does make a difference, and it’s a lot of fun too. I’m proof you don’t have to be a great baker, my rocky road last year wasn’t much to look at, but it did the job!”

Previously, the campaign has received support from everyone from Bake Off’s Lizzie Acker, Celebrity MasterChef winner Liz McClarnon and the Everton Women squad to families, schools and businesses across the region.

Find out how you can get involved here.

Find out more about the incredible work of Claire House on our website.

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