THE managing director of a care home stepped out of her comfort zone to compete in a charitable cook off, to the delight of staff and residents.

Natasha Lazovic, managing director of Cherry Blossom Manor in Bramley, braved the heat of the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2024 to help raise £24,595.

Competing against managing directors from Barchester's other divisions, Ms Lazovic's fundraising will go towards the Barchester Charitable Foundation's work to connect vulnerable and disabled individuals to community groups.

The foundation distributes thousands of pounds to recipients across England, Scotland, and Wales each year.

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Managing directors of Barchester's different divisions competedManaging directors of Barchester's different divisions competed in the cook off (Image: Supplied)

In 2023, a £225,000 donation milestone was achieved, with aid provided to 160 groups and charities as well as 87 individuals.

Ms Lazovic's dishes included roast chicken breast with smoked bacon mash and wild mushroom velouté sauce. Also served was a sticky date and ginger sponge with caramel sauce.

Both dishes were lauded by the members of Barchester's executive team who served as judges.

The sticky date and ginger sponge dessertThe sticky date and ginger sponge dessert (Image: Supplied)

General manager of Cherry Blossom Manor, Gigi Despojo, said: "We are all so proud of Natasha for taking part in this challenge, she really is amazing!"

Although she narrowly missed out on winning the competition, Ms Lazovic was commended.

Her division raised the most amount of money for the foundation, at £11,595.