Raise some dough for Claire House with the annual Butterfly Bake

Get ready to dust off your aprons, preheat those ovens, and raise some dough for a fantastic cause – Claire House Children’s Hospice is calling on the community to join its annual Butterfly Bake this March.

The annual Butterfly Bake is more than just a baking fundraiser – it’s an opportunity to support seriously and terminally ill babies, children, and young adults across Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Wales.

Every cupcake, cookie, and cake baked helps raise vital funds for Claire House’s essential bereavement care, offered through its two Butterfly Suites and home-based services.

Families, businesses and groups, as well as nurseries, schools and colleges are invited to take part in the baking fundraiser. Whether it’s a batch of cookies, cupcakes and pastries or a decadent cake, it all helps families like Jo and John Paul Mercer and their girls Niamh, nine, and Freya, one.

Jo and JP said:

“As parents, we know how important it is to have Claire House – they were there for us every step when we lost our babies, Ella and Libby.

“Claire House kept our family safe during a vulnerable time when we lost Ella in 2020. And the hospice’s Butterfly Team was there for a second time when things didn’t go right with Libby in 2022.

“They also helped us to support our eldest daughter Niamh, who was waiting for these little babies to arrive. And we have treasured memories together because of Claire House – something we can now share with our rainbow baby, Freya.”

Last year, the campaign received support from everyone from Bake Off’s Lizzie Acker and the Everton Women squad to families, schools and businesses.

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

“Our Butterfly Bake 2024 was a huge success, and we’re excited to build on that momentum!

“We’re hoping as many people as possible join us this year to raise vital funds and awareness of the bereavement care at Claire House.

“Anyone can take part, no matter how much baking experience they have. And by getting involved, they can make sure we can be there for more babies, children and young adults, and their families, when they need us most.

“Let’s make this year’s Butterfly Bake even sweeter!”

Find out more at: www.clairehouse.org.uk/events/butterfly-bake-2025/

You can also call 0151 343 0883 or email fundraising@clairehouse.org.uk

How to get involved:

The Butterfly Bake shines the spotlight on the end-of-life and bereavement support Claire House provides to families.

When a local baby, child or young adult dies, the charity’s three Butterfly Coordinators offer practical and emotional support during the toughest of times.

They can help with registering the child’s death and funeral planning as well as collecting mementoes, supporting grieving siblings and offering a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

Everyone can get involved in the Butterfly Bake – whether that’s by baking at school, organising a bake-off at work, or holding a bake sale at the local village hall or at home.

Every penny raised will help the charity to reach out to more babies, children and young adults, and their families.