There’s something incredibly magical about people coming together for a good cause — especially when cake is involved. This July 16th, that magic is set to rise again as The Business Centre’s much-loved onsite cafe, Mel’s Cafe, hosts its popular annual charity fundraising event — the Barry Bake Off! It’s the biggest charity event at the Business Centre.
Every year, the Barry Bake Off brings a generous helping of joy, community spirit, and sweet treats. But this year’s event hits closer to home and has touched the hearts of everyone here.
Baby Olivia’s Brave Heart: A Story of Strength, Smiles, and Survival
When Paul Wells of PMG — one of our long-standing Business Centre residents — and his wife Sarah welcomed baby Olivia into the world, they never imagined the uphill battle that awaited.
Within just weeks of her birth, Olivia underwent four open-heart surgeries. She’s endured ICU stays, a stroke, and months in hospital.
Through it all, she’s shown a level of strength that’s left everyone who hears her story in awe.
“Our Olivia is such a character now… the happiest baby. You’d never know what she’s been through. This journey is a rollercoaster of emotions. You really do have to take it one day at a time and enjoy every moment with our special babies.” — Sarah Wells
This year’s Barry Bake Off charity event at the Business Centre is a chance for us all to rally behind this inspiring little girl and the family who’ve shown immense courage.
Why Little Hearts Matter to Us
In honour of Olivia’s incredible journey, Mel has chosen to support the charity Little Hearts Matter — the only UK charity that provides essential help to children diagnosed with single ventricle heart condition – or half a working heart.
“I wanted to choose a cause that directly supports someone from our own Business Centre community,” Mel shared. “And Little Hearts Matter has been a lifeline to Paul’s family during their hardest times.”
This personal connection makes this year’s biggest charity event at the Business Centre even more meaningful — it’s not just about cake; it’s about community, compassion, and care.
The Barry Bake Off: A Sweet Charity Event at The Business Centre
Since 2017, Mel has led the charge in turning her café into a fundraising hub.
From raising awareness for mental health and men’s health to supporting cancer charities, veterans, and local food banks — she’s used her apron as a shield of compassion.
The Barry Bake Off, however, is her signature fundraiser — and easily the most delicious.
Think friendly competition, mountains of cake, generous raffles, and an overwhelming sense of community spirit.
This year’s Barry Bake Off takes place on Wednesday, 16th July, and everyone’s invited — whether you’re a star baker or just in it for a slice (or four).
Big Prizes at This Year’s Raffle and Bake Sale for Charity
Amazing prizes await the top three bakers, and Mel’s Café will be filled to the brim with cakes available to buy at the Cake Sale after judging takes place. All proceeds go directly to Little Hearts Matter, and you can also support the cause online through Mel’s official GoFundMe page.
This year’s raffle is bigger and better than ever — with amazing prizes up for grabs!
🎁 Top prize: A 55-inch TV
🎟️ Plus, you could win:
- £50 voucher for Foxy Lanes Bowling
- Afternoon tea for two at Future Inn Hotel
- Bottomless brunch for two at Bonnie’s Rouges
- £50 Amazon voucher
- £50 Front Rooms voucher
- £25 Nando’s voucher
- £25 M&S voucher with chocolates & wine
- £20 Next voucher
- £20 M&S voucher
- £15 M&S voucher
- Golf voucher for Bryn Hill Golf Club
- And many more surprises on the day!
Raffle tickets are already on sale, so be sure to grab yours early and get in the running for some incredible prizes!
Whether you’re there to bake, buy cake, or try your luck in the raffle, every pound raised will make a difference. Join us in making this the most successful Barry Bake Off charity event at The Business Centre yet.
Helping Welsh Charities is Always on the Menu at Mel’s Café
Mel’s Café isn’t just where you go for the best breakfast rolls or a mid-morning coffee fix. It’s become a hub of kindness at the heart of The Business Centre.
Over the years, Mel has raised over £6,000 for many charities in Wales and the wider UK, including:
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Woody’s Lodge (supporting veterans)
- CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association)
- Welsh Hearts
- Save the Children
- Local food banks
- City Hospice
- Movember
- Breast cancer awareness campaigns
She’s hosted everything from Christmas jumper days to donation drives, even cooking warm meals for those in need. And now, she’s baking up hope for baby Olivia — and many more children like her through the biggest charity event at The Business Centre.
How You Can Be Part of the Biggest Charity Event at The Business Centre
- Bake a cake and enter the competition
- Buy a slice (or several!)
- Grab a raffle ticket to stand a chance at winning amazing prizes
- Donate online via the GoFundMe page
Here’s how the charity event will unfold:
🎂 09:00 – Cakes to be brought to Mel (or 1 day before)
🧁 10:00 – Judging takes place (only judges allowed in the cafe)
🍰 11:00 – Cafe opens for cake sale & raffle tickets
🎟 12:00 – Raffle draw & winner announcement
Whether you’re a business resident, a visitor, or someone who simply loves cake and kindness, your support means the world.
Together, we can help families like Paul’s and support children like Olivia — whose strength reminds us why we do this.
