Newtownabbey girl is crowned ‘star baker’

Dakota Clarke and her mother Charlene Wilma made it through to the final which was held at Victoria Square in Belfast.

Competing against two other teams, the pair had to sell as many cakes, biscuits and buns as possible in the centre of Belfast.

This was all done for the very worthy cause of ‘Cash for Kids’ which is the Cool FM and Downtown Radio registered children’s charity.

The charity is designed to support and assist disadvantaged children, young people, organisations and individuals throughout Northern Ireland.

Charlene explained how the charity is close to her daughter’s heart.

“It all started two years ago when Cash for Kids funded a playhouse and swing set for Dakota because she has a rare brain condition called Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Ever since then, all she has talked about is raising money for Cash for Kids so she can in turn help others.”

This is the second fundraiser that Dakota has taken part in, as she recently had 17 centimetres of her hair cut off, raising £300 in the process.

As well as raising money for the charity, Dakota and her mum received £2,000 worth of NordMende electrical goods and the title of ‘Big Bake Day’ champions during a live outside broadcast on Downtown Radio.

Cash for Kids Charity Manager, Andrea Charles hopes that others will be encouraged to support the charity.

“Stories such as Dakota’s are really inspirational and we hope it spurs others on to raise essential funds which will aid young people in need all over the country.”