Lizzie Acker judges charity bake-off at Claire House

Great British Bake Off’s Lizzie Acker stepped into the judges’ shoes for a charity baking contest at Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Liverpool-born Lizzie was the special guest at the bake-off as part of the Clare House Butterfly Bake, which takes place throughout March.

The event shines the spotlight on the vital end-of-life care at the Wirral children’s hospice and at homes across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

During her visit, Lizzie said: “Claire House is an amazing place. I found it crazy just how much care is given in so many ways along just one corridor.

“The staff bake-off was fun because people love a bit of competition.

“The highlight for me was meeting the actual Butterfly team. You don’t know what to expect when you’re meeting someone who deals with end-of-life care all the time, but the team were lovely, and so funny, and I told them some celebrity gossip!”

Bubbly baker Lizzie created her own butterfly-inspired cake for a video, which she shared with her 103,000 followers on Instagram.

She then followed in the footsteps of Wirral chef Paul Hollywood, who judged her creative bakes on the Channel 4 show, by sampling homemade cakes and pastries, alongside three Butterfly coordinators.

But Lizzie, from Hunts Cross, admitted she doesn’t want to take up the role of judge permanently, and added: “I’m a happy-go-lucky person and bringing people down isn’t my vibe so I’m not very critical.”

Lizzie, who won celebrity fans including Keira Knightley by celebrating her neurodiversity on Bake Off, said she’s happiest using her fame to support worthy causes.

She said: “My nan encouraged me to start baking to build up my confidence as a kid and I love being in my kitchen – it’s my safe space.

“But I don’t see the point of me endlessly baking cakes. Telling people what’s going on with neurodiversity or supporting amazing charities like Claire House is far more important.

“Baking is a great way to start conversations. It’s fun but it can also be seen as a type of therapy. I think everyone should try it for the Butterfly Bake.”

The Butterfly Bake is named after the bereavement care at Claire House. Last year, Claire House cared for and supported 100 babies, children and young adults at the end of their life.

Emma Liney, Claire House Community Fundraiser who was crowned star baker, said the team appreciated Lizzie taking time out of her busy schedule.

She said: “It was wonderful to welcome Lizzie to the hospice. It was so lovely to tell her about how Claire House helps families and for her to meet some of the children and staff.

“And it was great to hear about the work she does around neurodiversity and for charity. We’re so grateful for her support.”