Staff and residents at Peony Court care home in 58 Addiscombe Road, Croydon, are celebrating because their fabulous Managing Director, Michelle Macadangdang, from Barchester’s South East Division, is stepping out of her comfort zone to compete for culinary supremacy in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.
Swapping their business suits for chefs’ whites, Michelle and her fellow Managing Directors from Barchester’s five divisions are going 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 to 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 a staggering 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals in one year alone.
Michelle and the other MDs are keeping their cards very close to their chests regarding what they will be cooking but they have been practising hard. Michelle comments: “I have to admit I am a little bit nervous about it all but I’m also excited to take part in something so different from my day job. People that know me, know my cooking skills are somewhat limited but I am extremely competitive and I want to win so I will do my very best, and it is for a very good cause.”
General Manager of Peony Court care home, Charles James adds: “We are all so happy and proud of Michelle for taking part in this challenge, we know she will give it her 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 her – MDs for the win!
