Rotary Club hails brilliant young cakemaker Alana Habergham-Rice

A YOUNG baker whose cakes brighten the lives of the elderly, sick and disabled has revealed the source of her motivation: “It just makes me happy.”

Eleven-year-old Alana Habergham-Rice (pictured) was just six when she held her first charity cake stall at Kiveton Park Meadows Primary to raise cash to help fund therapy and specialist equipment for a classmate with cerebral palsy.

The sale became an annual event, and Alana, of Storth Lane, Kiveton, went on to found Alana’s Caring Cakes, baking and presenting a heart-shaped cake every month to somebody who deserved a treat.  

After an enthusiastic response, the baking schoolgirl branched out into themed cakes and buns inspired by suggestions from the lucky recipients’ friends and families.

Care home residents, cancer patients, hospice staff, carers and people who go the extra mile for their friends have all been given a sweet surprise.

Alana said she didn’t think she was doing anything special, adding: “Everybody should do nice things for people.  

“It just makes me really happy that I can do something to make their time better when it’s tough.”

Now Alana has been rewarded for her kind-hearted efforts - Rotherham Rotary Club were so impressed when they heard about her that they nominated her for a Rotary in Britain and Ireland Young Citizen Award. 

Alana said she was delighted to receive the award.

“This has made me so happy,” she said.

“I still can’t believe I have won an award for making cakes.”

As well as picking up her trophy this Sunday, Alana will be given £500 to donate to her chosen project or charity.

Rotary district governor Dr Cheryle Berry said: “Alana is a truly inspirational young lady who has brightened up the lives of so many others with her care and kindness.  

“I am so very pleased and proud that she has achieved this award.”