Kiveton superhero, Alana Habergham-Rice, has released her first cookery book on the back of her baking success, with profits going towards supporting Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Alana, who is 13 and has autism, has been baking her Caring Cakes for 7 years – all to cheer people up and raise money for charity. She chooses nominated people to bake for, all of whom are facing challenges in their life, and then delivers the stunning cakes with her Mum.

After years of creating the most beautiful bakes, Alana has written and released her own cook book 'Cakes to make you smile, from the heart of Sheffield'. Alana has been fundraising for Sheffield Hospitals Charity for several years, in order to thank local hospitals for the care that they showed her close friend, Nick Challenger, in his recent battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

After being treated at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, he was eventually given the all clear. But that is not where the story ends. Nick and his family and friends decided that they wanted to give something back for his treatment and Alana decided that she wanted to do her bit.

Now, following the release of her book, Alana is dedicating the proceeds to Sheffield Hospitals Charity, who will receive £4.50 from every book sold!

Speaking following the launch of her book, Alana said: "I can't believe that my baking recipes have actually turned into a book and that people can buy it, read it and bake with it. I am so proud that every copy that I sell will make a difference to such an amazing cause like Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

"I've been baking for years and it is such a great hobby. What makes it even better is that I do it to cheer people up. It isn't about the money, it is about making people smile because that is the most important thing in the world. If my caring cakes can help with that, then that's the only reason I need to keep on baking.

"The most important thing to me is always kindness. The world is a much better place when people are kind and that is what my baking and all of the other things I try to do are all about.

"I've always wanted to raise money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity. The hospitals showed Nick such amazing care in his battle with cancer and so I want to do this for him. He always believes in me and let me have my first baking stall outside his shop.

"I hope that as many people as possible buy my book, support the charity and enjoy baking cakes that make you smile."

Copies of the book can be purchased at our online shop, and have even been available through click and collect from Alana's very own 'friendly bench' in Kiveton Park. You can also order books from Alana's Facebook page, Alana's Caring Cakes and they can be posted to you at home to help you with your lockdown baking.

'The Friendly Bench' is yet another example of Alana's incredible initiatives. For Alana and her mum, Rachel, everything is about kindness.

Last year, Kiveton Park had the first Friendly Bench installed in Yorkshire as part of a national scheme. The Friendly Bench is an innovative community garden to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. Working with her local councillor, Dominic Beck, Alana was proud to see the installation of the bench outside Kiveton library in Kiveton Park. 

The bench is designed to connect people through community events and activities, connect places through information sharing and to help people to connect with nature and the outdoors. Above all, it is about giving people a communal space to meet, to talk and to help one another. It is another shining example of Alana's unrivalled dedication to kindness.

Buy Alana's book here