The Great Harper Bake-Off: Veterinary Nursing students get baking for charity

Talented Veterinary Nurses at Harper Adams University have shown off their skills and raised money for charity with a charity bake-off.

Veterinary Nursing Lecturer Helen O’Neill told us: “As avid viewers of The Great British Bake Off, we wanted to bring some of the programme’s fun and excitement to the University, whilst celebrating Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month and fundraising for Vetlife.

"We chose to support Vetlife in recognition of the invaluable work they do within the veterinary community.  

“They provide independent, confidential, and free support to everyone working in the profession, including veterinary nurses, vets, students, and non-clinical staff.” 

You can check out some of the fantastic culinary creations made by staff and students on our Instagram.

 

 

 

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 Helen added: “We were delighted to receive a fantastic range of student entries for the veterinary-themed bake off.  

“The competition featured a wide variety of flavours and creations, including lemon cheesecake cupcakes, mocha cupcakes, Victoria sponge, chocolate cake with fondant icing, and savoury cheese muffins, among many others. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part and shared their wonderfully creative and beautifully designed bakes with us.” 

Final year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing with Companion Animal Behaviour student, Ellie Bullen, was named overall winner for her cat-themed lemon cheesecake cupcakes. 

Talking about why she wanted to lend her support to the fundraising, Ellie said: “It is super important in our industry of work. 

“Mental health is a big thing and it can sometimes be quite isolating in the job – so they are super important charities to be making money for.” 

Her coursemate Archi Mistry added: “I think taking care of your mental health is so important in vet nursing, just because it is a very empathy related job, and we pour so much of ourselves into our patients for our clients. 

“Supporting the charity is very important because it helps not only us be better nurses, but the industry as well.”

 Helen added: “With the theme of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2026 being 'Compassion and Empathy', we felt it important to demonstrate these values in support of our peers across the profession by raising funds for Vetlife.  

“Together in total, we managed to raise £136 - a huge thank you to everyone involved.”