Could you rise to the occasion and whip up a treat to beat the opposition in the Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake.

Laserase Bolton aCakend Bolton NHS Charitable Fund are organising a charity cake baking competition in aid of both the national charity Verity – which supports women whose lives are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – and the Gynaecology and Dermatology departments of the hospital who also help women with this syndrome – and they’re looking for entries.

The Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake and Cake Sale takes place at Laserase Bolton (opposite the ambulance station on the Royal Bolton Hospital site) on Saturday October 10th from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. It aims to raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and to raise money for the charity and Bolton NHS Charitable Fund.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects millions of women. The symptoms of PCOS include ovarian cysts, irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, weight gain, excessive hair growth on the face and body, hair loss from the head, acne and the increased risk of getting certain types of cancer. The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal hormone levels and, although PCOS can’t be cured, the symptoms can be managed.

Julie Kershaw, Clinic Manager at Laserase Bolton, says: “Many women with this embarrassing and isolating condition are often unaware of the support available. The Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake aims to raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and of the PCOS charity, Verity, which was established in 1997 to share information and improve the lives of women living with the illness.

“Every year at Laserase Bolton, we treat a number of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for excess hair growth and acne, but many are unaware that, for excess hair growth for example, NHS funding may be available. Working with the Royal Bolton Hospital’s Gynaecology and Dermatology departments, we aim to better direct women in Bolton to get the help and treatment they need.”

There are four categories open to everyone in the Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake: the Best Decorated Cake Award; the Tastiest Cake Award; the Most Creative Cake Award and the Biggest Cake Catastrophe Award. There will also be a Best Cake in the Competition Award. As the charity’s colour is purple, bakers might like to incorporate some purple into their entry, but this is not obligatory. Entry costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

The Cake Bake judging will be followed by a cake sale to raise much-needed funds for the charities and refreshments will be available, so if you can’t bake, you can buy instead.

Julie Kershaw adds: “We’re hoping that local people will really get behind us for this fun and worthwhile event so, to get a slice of the action, bring along your cake creations to the Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake on Saturday October 10th!”

To sign up to the Big Bolton Charity Cake Bake and to make a donation visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/bigboltoncharitycakebake or contact Laserase Bolton for an application form on 01204 570900 or email admin@laserase-bolton.co.uk.

Cakes should be dropped off Laserase Bolton, 71 Redgate Way, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JL (on the Royal Bolton Hospital site opposite the ambulance station) between 11.30am and 1.30pm on the day and must include a label with your name and telephone number and the category in which you are entering. The event will be open to the public from 2.00pm and the winning cakes will be announced around 3.00pm. This will be followed by a charity auction of the winning cakes and a sale of the other cakes.

Laserase Bolton is one of the leading laser clinics in the North West of England and has been established for over 20 years.We offer a range of treatments for PCOS sufferers, including laser hair reduction for treating excessive hair growth using the Soprano XL laser, and a number of treatments for managing acne, including NLite laser, AFT 420 pulsed light and medical skin peels. We also offer a number of treatment products to ensure optimum results. All treatments are carried out by our highly-experienced medical professionals following a free, no-obligation consultation.

To find out more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the help available please visit www.verity-pcos.org.uk. There are also a number of informal local support groups around the country for women with PCOS to make contact with others in their area. The nearest local group to Bolton is in Manchester. To find out when and where they meet, or for information on other local support groups, email localgroups@verity-pcos.org.uk.