Staff and residents at Chalfont Lodge care home in Chalfont St Peter are celebrating after their Managing Director helped cook up success at a major charity event, raising tens of thousands of pounds for a good cause.

Michelle Macadangdang, Managing Director for Barchester’s South East Division, led her team to victory in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

The team, aptly named the Pressure Cookers, triumphed over their rivals to take home the prestigious title while also helping to raise an impressive £53,000.

The fundraising event saw the Pressure Cookers, made up of Managing Directors and a Hospital Director from five of Barchester’s divisions, go head-to-head with members of the organisation’s executive team, known as the Rolling Scones.

The teams competed to produce a standout menu for the judges, all in aid of the Barchester Charitable Foundation.

Back at Chalfont Lodge, the news has sparked pride among both staff and residents, who know Michelle as an inspirational leader.

The winning team impressed judges with a high-quality and creative menu.

Their Lobster Bisque with chive crème fraîche and croutons was described as a triumph, while their main courses included Cod Loin with beetroot, asparagus and champ mash, or a Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry.

Desserts featured a choice of White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake or Rhubarb Crumble Custard Tart, alongside an Afternoon Tea favourite, a sausage plait with red onion chutney, which was declared “to die for”.

The money raised will support the Barchester Charitable Foundation, which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with disabilities to community groups in their local areas.

The foundation provides grants that improve mobility and quality of life, supporting individuals, small organisations and charities across the UK.

In 2025 alone, it distributed £424,000 to hundreds of groups and individuals.

Michelle said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and praised the team spirit on the day. She said: “It was a great way to relieve stress and there was a real sense of camaraderie across both teams.

"Thank you to everyone who donated and helped organise such a fantastic event.”

Chalfont Lodge’s General Manager, Raj Boodhoo, added: “We are all in awe of Michelle, is there nothing she can’t do?

This is an incredible achievement and a real inspiration to everyone here.”

The success has given Chalfont Lodge another reason to celebrate, as their Managing Director’s efforts make a meaningful difference well beyond the village.