‘Queen of cakes’ shares recipe for Rainbows smiles

The queen of cakes, Fiona Cairns brought a touch of baking magic to Rainbows Hospice youngsters. And it was a recipe for winning smiles!

Famous for creating The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding cake, Fiona came to the Loughborough-based charity, which supports children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, to share tips and help them whip up their very own majestic creations.

And she received a right Royal welcome from youngsters and staff during her visit, which provided a baking experience to remember – and an exclusive range of custom-made cupcakes and fairy cakes with intricate decoration.

Her own cakes can sell for five-figure sums to the rich and the famous around the world, but she says passing on her skills and providing some “magic moments of distraction” for Rainbows youngsters, their families and staff is humbling.  

She said: “It is an absolute honour and a privilege to share intimate time with these wonderful young people and visit this incredible charity which supports them and their families.” Her three top ingredients for baking success: Patience, practice and precision. Mix in a generous measure of imagination, add a pinch of flair and… voila! 

One might add enthusiasm, determination and smiles, which youngsters showed in abundance in producing their own collection of personalised cakes. But Fiona admits, she might add a touch of obsession to the mix when it comes to her own approach.

Julie Macauley, Rainbows Family Liaison, commented: “What an incredible experience for our youngsters and their families – we are so grateful to Fiona and her team’s ongoing involvement with the hospice and for bringing their baking magic to Rainbows.

Fiona is pictured with three generations of baby Isla-Grace’s family. “It’s been a truly amazing experience – and such fun,” said mum, Megan.