STAFF and residents at Farley Gardens care home, Binfield will be cheering on Duncan Edwards as he puts on his ‘chef’s whites’.
The managing director from Barchester’s South West Division, will step out of his comfort zone on Thursday, April 30, to compete for culinary supremacy in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook-off 2026.
Duncan and his fellow managing directors from Barchester’s five divisions will go head-to-head with members of Barchester’s Executive team to cook up a storm and raise vital funds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.
The Charitable Foundation helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability with community groups in their local area, by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life.
Each year the foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups, and charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
In 2025 the Foundation achieved a donation milestone of £424,000, which enabled the charity to provide vital help to 262 small groups and charities, and 123 individuals.
Duncan and the other competitors are keeping their cards very close to their chests regarding what they will be cooking, but have all been practising hard.
Duncan said: “I am so proud to support this event with my fellow MDs.
“It’s great to have the shared purpose of supporting the Barchester Foundation, which does such wonderful work.
“I am excited and ready to stir up some fun (and maybe a little chaos) in the kitchen – all for a great cause.”
General manager of Farley Gardens care home, Simona Cioinac, said: “We are all so proud of Duncan for taking part in this challenge.
“We know he will give it his absolute best shot.
“The Foundation is so close to all of our hearts and the Cook-off will raise vital funds to help so many people.
“We’re 100% behind him.”
Anyone wishing to support Duncan, or seeking more information, can visit: barchester.com
