Beechwood’s weekly ‘Bun Run’ spreads kindness across Bridlington
A weekly delivery of homemade cakes from Beechwood Care Centre has become a popular fixture on local radio – while helping the home forge new friendships across Bridlington.
Beechwood, operated by Highgate Care, launched the Beechwood Bun Run in partnership with Bridlington Gold Radio at the beginning of June, giving local people the chance to win a box of homemade cakes and buns each week.
Fourteen weeks and 14 deliveries later, treats made by Beechwood chef Tracey have made their way to homes, birthday celebrations, a Canasta group and local businesses across the town.
Bringing a little sweetness to the community
The idea came from Beechwood’s Front of House Manager, Claire Gill, as a fun way of raising awareness of the care home while doing something positive for the wider community.
Listeners enter the competition through the Bridlington Gold website, with a winner selected each week before Claire heads out across the town to make the delivery.
The Bun Run’s first winner, Laura, received a cake for her mum’s birthday, while Linda’s delivery arrived in time for her own birthday and was shared with her family.
Karen, the niece of one of Beechwood’s residents, shared her cake with her Canasta group, while local timber merchant West Building Supplies has also been among the lucky recipients.
Even Bridlington Gold’s DJ Woofer has managed to get his paws on some of the homemade treats.
A delivery that led to a new friendship
For one winner, receiving a Bun Run delivery was the beginning of a new connection with Beechwood.
After receiving her treats, local resident Netti began following the care centre on social media and has since started attending and supporting charity events at Beechwood.
Claire said:
“The Bun Run started as a fun way of getting Beechwood’s name out into Bridlington, but it’s become much more than that.
“At Highgate, kindness is key, and the Bun Run is a really simple way of putting that into practice in our local community. Every week we get to meet someone new and hopefully brighten their day with something Tracey has made here at the home.
“Seeing someone like Netti go from receiving one of our deliveries to coming along and supporting our events is lovely, because that’s exactly the sort of connection we want Beechwood to have with our community.
“It’s also helped us build a really good relationship with Bridlington Gold, who now support and promote other events we’re holding at Beechwood.”
Building connections across Bridlington
The partnership has also proved a hit with listeners to Bridlington Gold Radio.
Mike Hammond, from Bridlington Gold Radio, said:
“The Beechwood Bun Run has been incredibly well received by Bridlington Gold Radio listeners since day one – it’s become one of those feel-good fixtures people genuinely look forward to.
“Our partnership with Beechwood Care Centre works so well because we share the same spirit of local community connection and fun; it’s about bringing people together in a way that feels authentic to Bridlington.
“Initiatives like this matter because they strengthen community ties and remind us how powerful small moments of kindness can be.”
The Beechwood Bun Run continues each week, with chef Tracey preparing the treats before Claire personally delivers them to the winning home or workplace.
Beechwood Care Centre in Bridlington is operated by Highgate Care and provides residential, nursing and dementia care.
