Chiefs stars' bake off raises cash for Macmillan
Multi-talented Exeter Chiefs stars proved fundraising was a piece of cake when they baked for a charity coffee morning.
More than 150 people tucked into creations including a Guinness gateau and chocolate brownies provided by members of the club’s Cookie Club – a group of players who meet weekly to show off their prowess in the kitchen.
The event, part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, took place at Exeter’s historic Guildhall and was hosted by Chiefs legend Gareth Steenson and his wife Karen
Guests donated generously throughout the day raising a total of £2,635 for the charity which was nominated by Gareth as part of his Testimonial year.
The player’s father, John, was looked after by staff from the charity prior to his death from cancer in 2007, and many of the guests at the coffee morning shared similar stories.
Presenting the money to Macmillan, in the form of a giant cake, Gareth said: “The support and care that both my father and family received from the Macmillan Nurses was invaluable and we will be forever grateful to those kind people who helped us through the hardest times of our lives.”
Teammates and Cookie Club members Don Armand, Dave Ewers, Ollie Devoto, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Matt Kvesic, Moray Low and Thomas Waldrom all turned out on the day as did the Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Lesley Robson.
The coffee morning was one of a number of events that have been organised as part of Gareth’s testimonial year.
As well as raising money for MacMillan, the player will also be making a donation from his Testimonial year to the Exeter Foundation, the Exeter Chiefs charity.
Gareth has served his team for a decade, helping the Chiefs to win promotion to the Premiership in 2010 and kicking the penalty that saw the club being crowned champions in the 2016-2017 season.
Picture shows Gareth Steenson, left, and Karen Steenson, right, presenting a 'cake cheque' to Bridget Hill, centre, from MacMillan Cancer Charity. The cheque cake was made by MaD Cakes of Exeter (Image: Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
