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Watch Darren on Extreme Cake Makers
See if our plasterer and Elvis impersonator Darren Leonard was left all shook-up by Channel 4's Extreme Cake Makers at 5.30pm on Tuesday 20 February.
Darren has raised well over £80k for Rebeun’s Retreat to-date. Whilst Darren modestly tells us he hasn’t done all this on his lonesome, he’s a genuine star in our eyes and the charity wanted to recognise his efforts and dedication with a special cake and surprise.
Thang-ya-very-much to our staff who supported Darren and raised £320 for Reuben’s Retreat at Christmas.
The team at Reuben’s Retreat has shared more information ahead of the programme ...
Reuben’s Retreat goes extreme!
The team at local charity Reuben’s Retreat are looking forward to sharing their appearance on the second series of Extreme Cake Makers, which airs on Channel 4 on 20 February at 5.30pm.
Approached by Suzanne Thorp at The Frostery in Uppermill, Saddleworth, Reuben’s Retreat wanted to create a cake for one of their most prolific fundraisers Darren Leonard from Bolton. Along with his wife Michelle, Darren and their family has raised a staggering £80k+ for the charity so far, this has been a combination of fundraising and saving the charity monies via in-kind donations and networking. His annual ‘Rockin’ for Reuben’ events are a huge fundraiser which see Darren performing on stage as Elvis Presley.
Taking inspiration from Darren’s love of Elvis and music, Suzanne Thorp, Michelle and Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mummy and founder of Reuben’s Retreat created a cake fit for The King himself.
The huge cake creation was unveiled to surprised guests at Rockin for Reuben, which took place on 24 of November in Bolton. The stunning jukebox cake included realistic wood effect, records and a figure of Elvis perched on top.
Nicola Graham comments: “Darren has been one of our biggest supporters from the very beginning of Reuben’s Retreat. He and his wife Michelle tirelessly fundraise for the charity and his Rockin’ for Reuben events have become a hugely popular event on our calendar and it seemed fitting that we show our thanks and what better way with cake as Reuben loved cake.”
Darren’s reaction can be seen during the programme airing on Monday, which was seen for the first time at the event.
Nicola adds: “We are so grateful to Suzanne at The Frostery, she is a gorgeously generous lady who truly understood our vision for the cake but also our charity and we think this was perfectly reflected in edible form. We also wanted to thank the production team who will help us raise more awareness of the work we are doing.”
Darren Leonard, aka Elvis, said: “My wife and I are passionate about supporting Reuben’s Retreat. We are great friends with the Graham family and their work to help other families like them is humbling. When I saw the cake I actually couldn’t believe it could be edible – to say it’s one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life is an understatement.”
Reuben’s Retreat was founded in August 2012 following the tragic loss of Reuben Michael Graham aged just 23 months. Vowing to help other families in similar situations, Reuben’s Retreat will provide a sanctuary in the North West countryside that will relieve the distress of families and their close friends who have suffered the bereavement of a child or have a child suffering from a life limiting or life threatening illness. The charity already offers bereavement support as well as respite breaks for families and you can see more about their work here www.reubensretreat.org
Extreme Cake Makers lands us in the heart of the whirlwind that is extreme cake making, as we watch this elite group of crafts men and women making dreams come true through these edible masterpieces. Rufus Hound narrates this jaw-dropping new series. Extreme Cake Makers airs weekdays at 5.30pm on Channel 4.