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Special Days Cakes

1565. Michael Burns
1566. Stephen Whyteside

Michael Burns and Stephen Whyteside, from Glasgow, are cake store owners who have made and given over 850 birthday cakes for free this year to elderly residents in nursing homes across Scotland who have been unable to see their families due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Michael Burns and Stephen Whyteside

Michael and Stephen own Special Days Cakes, designing and baking cakes for weddings and celebrations, but have had to postpone the production of over 500 wedding cakes due to COVID-19. With families unable to see relatives in care homes and bring in cakes, they decided to offer their services and provide only delivery but also bake for free and help lift spirits for residents and staff.

In a personal letter to Michael and Stephen, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“Thank you for your brilliant baking initiative making and delivering celebration cakes to care home residents across the Glasgow area.

“One of the great sadnesses of our battle against Coronavirus is that we have not been able to celebrate birthdays in the same way, especially those in care homes. I am uplifted to know that your kindness has brightened the birthdays of over 600 care home residents, at a time when many could not receive visitors.”

Michael and Stephen said:

“As a business we always strive to put our customers first, this business ethos encourages us to support and work with our local community.

“During this COVID pandemic we noticed that the elderly, especially in care homes, were more isolated than most with no visitors. This could prove to be a care home resident’s last birthday celebration.

“We delivered over 600 celebration cakes across Scotland and the videos and photographs we have received have truly left a lasting impression on our lives. We are so proud to receive this award. Thank you very much.”

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