Star baker Tom joins race team for hospital visit

LITTLEBOROUGHRAISED Great British Bake Off star Tom Gilliford took a break from his London Marathon training and joined a group of fellow contestants to surprise patients and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Bakers, all former GBBO contestants, shared their baking expertise and spoke with patients and staff at the hospital.

Part of the Baker’s Dozen team, Tom, a former St Cuthbert’s High School pupil, will be taking part in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, helping to raise much needed ●●Former Great British Bake Off star Tom Gilliford, visited Great Ormond Street as he prepares to tackle the London Marathon in aid of the hospital money for seriously children across the UK.

During their visit, they got to see first-hand where the money they are raising will be going and how it will make a difference to children being treated at ill Great Ormond Street Hospital. One of the young patients Tom, who appeared in the 2016 series, met was 14-yearold Grace who was recovering from spinal surgery.

Grace said: “It was really nice meeting the Bakers today after watching them all on TV. It brightened my day and we had a real laugh which I needed after having my big operation.”

Tom said: “What struck me the most on my visit to GOSH was how positive both the children and families were, their ability to be smiling and joking was a testament to both their resilience and the outstanding care of the hospital staff.”

Laura Savory, Head of Community Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said: “We’re really grateful to the Great British Bake Off runners and all our supporters for taking part in this amazing challenge and we can’t wait to be there on the day to cheer everyone on! With the money raised, we can make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children from across the UK.”

To sponsor Tom please visit:uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ThomasGilliford