Teenage Bristol Children’s Hospital Patient Wins Cake Design Contest 

Eva, a fifteen-year-old cancer patient, has designed a cake for Bristol-based wholesale bakers, Cakesmiths.

‘Design Your Own Cakesmiths Cake’ 

When Cakesmiths chose The Grand Appeal as their 2024 Charity of the Year, they knew that they wanted to approach corporate fundraising a little differently. 

The team whisked up a plan that sounded like something straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: organising a cake design competition at Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

Every young patient at Bristol Children’s Hospital was eligible to take part in the contest, whether they were going home at the end of the day or working on their design from their hospital bed. 

The winner would get to see their design transformed into one of Cakesmiths’ signature small batch cakes, which are bought by coffee shops and cafes all over the UK. Proceeds from the sale of the winning cake would be donated to Bristol Children’s Hospital, supporting the very children taking part in the contest.  

Eva’s story 

15-year-old Eva was encouraged to take part in the contest by the hospital staff due to her interest in and talent for art. 

In early 2022, Eva was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called sarcoma. She’s been under the care of Bristol Children’s Hospital ever since. For most of the past year, Eva and her mum, Jennifer, have been at the hospital every other week for immunotherapy infusions, which help Eva’s body attack her cancer cells. 

Eva blew the judges away with her eye for detail and her lively, imaginative design.  

Aptly named ‘Eva’s Strawberry Dream Cake’, this strawberry and lemon delight will be coming to cafes across the UK from today. 

Seeing her cake design come to life has meant an enormous amount to Eva. Her mum Jennifer spoke to us about why activities like this competition brings such a positive spark to Bristol Children’s Hospital.  

Why did Eva decide to take part in Cakesmiths’ design competition?  

Eva loves the competitions that Bristol Children’s Hospital offers in partnership with The Grand Appeal! They provide a focus for her days in hospital. 

Eva is a very creative and artistic individual. She enjoys designing, drawing, painting and creating. She’s starting GCSEs in Art and Textiles next year at school.  

What do you think are the benefits of crafts and activities like this competition for young patients?  

There are so many benefits! Art has been therapy for Eva. It is a distraction but also an outlet for emotions and thoughts. Everything is channeled into her artwork and stories.  

What inspired Eva’s design for her cake? 

Cake videos on TikTok were one inspiration. She also used colours and flavours that go together well and, of course, flavours that are yummy! Eva is a big fan of summer strawberries. 

How does Eva feel about winning the competition? 

She was very, very excited – pleased that Cakesmiths liked her design, thrilled for it to be named for her and very happy to eat her own cake! 

What does it mean to Eva to be able to raise money to help other patients in Bristol Children’s Hospital through her cake?  

She’s happy and pleased that her cake will help other children. The Grand Appeal does so much to support children while they’re in hospital. Eva likes the thought that the money raised from her cake will allow other children to take part in the same kinds of activities that she finds helps her. 

Due to overwhelmingly popular demand, Eva’s Strawberry Dream Cake is now sold out on the Cakesmiths website. Thank you to every cafe and coffee shop who’s shown their support for Bristol Children’s Hospital by stocking it. 

Keep an eye out for Eva’s cake in a cafe near you!