Newtownabbey Army Cadet cooks up Valentine’s treats to thank NHS staff

Emily McMullan, who as a child was cared for by the NHS after being diagnosed with Scoliosis has always been a keen baker and started at the age of five with simple things such as ‘Rice Krispie’ buns and then scones to Victoria sponges and at times this brave young girl was even baking whilst wearing a full back brace.

Emily’s mum Karen is a medical receptionist at the Nightingale 2 Hospital and along with the other staff she has been working with coronavirus patients.

As a thank you for all their hard work Emily decided to start suppling her mum cakes, shortbread, brownies and scones to take to her work colleagues and they went down a treat.

Since the lockdown, this Glengormley Detachment cadet and Duke of Edinburgh participant has not only been baking for the NHS staff, but is also been making cakes and scones, for her elderly neighbours, family and friends.

Cadet Emily McMullan said: “I enjoy baking and I love to put a smile on people’s faces during the difficult times.”

Currently completing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) nad signing up for Silver, Emily is using her baking for her DofE skills section.

Detachment Commander SSI Joanne McMaster said: “My cadets at Glengormley Detachment are all so talented, however Emily has went that extra mile to help out the NHS staff and vulnerable in her area by baking her scrumptious treats. I’ve tried them and they are gorgeous.”

Emily is getting set for Valentine’s Day by organising stickers and heart gift bags for her Valentine shortbread which she will be again gifting to NHS staff, neighbours and friends.

Commenting on the generous effort, C Company Commander Major John Read explained: “Emily is a shining example to all and hopefully she and the rest of our cadets will be returning to face-to-face training.

“We provide marvellous opportunities such as canoeing, mountain biking overseas expeditions, target shooting, football, map reading, first aid, field craft, gaining The Duke of Edinburgh Award, study for BTEC, IDEAS Award and the John Muir Environmental Award.

“If you are between the ages of 12 and 18 and would like to join and take up these activities in the Army Cadet Force, please register your interest on www.armycadets.com”

The Newtownabbey Times reported in December that Army cadets from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean took part in a festive virtual meeting.

For more on this story, read here

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