A SPECIAL Christmas cake has fulfilled a popular Northwich woman's dying wish.

Redwalls Nursing Home in Sandiway has won a national Christmas cake competition for the second year running, but this year's success was extra special for what it meant to the talented cake maker.

Last year’s success by Redwalls was a family triumph for Elaine Hall and her daughter Lesley Cole who, helped by other residents, crafted detailed icing sugar figures – actually representing people living in the home – to decorate the cake.

Mrs Hall sadly passed away in August at the age of 66 but it was her wish that daughter Lesley, from Northwich, made this year’s cake in a contest open to Kingsley Healthcare homes across the UK.

The finished cake is decorated with icing sugar figures enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner, with Mrs Hall depicted at the head of the table in a wheelchair.

Northwich Guardian: Elaine Hall surrounded by her family with Lesley in glassesElaine Hall surrounded by her family with Lesley in glasses

In a hotly contested competition, Redwalls’ cake was judged the winner, from seven shortlisted finalists, by the audience of Kingsley Healthcare’s Facebook page.

The Redwalls cake received more than three times the number of likes of any other entry; Sharston House, in Knutsford was among the shortlisted finalists.

Kelly Randles, Redwalls’ activities coordinator, said: “Elaine was very creative and helped us accomplish many successful projects at the home.

“Without her help, my transition from senior carer to activities coordinator would have been much more difficult.

“Elaine was very popular with the other residents and staff and she is very much missed. It is lovely to win again this year again in memory of Elaine.”

Sumi Thayan, Kingsley co-founder, said: “The standard this year was incredible. I am so proud of our homes across the country.”