Hosted by chief executive of Riverside Paul Dolan, the competition saw participants compete to cook a two-egg omelette in the shortest time. 

The event helped to raise awareness of the Cook off for Cancer fundraising campaign.

In total, 18 delegates participated with Catherine Burtle from Peabody, being hailed the winner, achieving a time of 23 seconds. The event raised hundreds of pounds for Young Lives vs Cancer. More events have been planned for later in 2026. 

Other delegates included: Paul Hackett CBE, chief executive of Southern Housing; Rachael Dennis, chief executive of Incommunities; Ian McDermott, chief executive of Peabody; Tracy Harrison, chief executive of the Northern Housing Consortium; Andrew van Doorn OBE, chief executive of HACT; Susan Faridi, chief executive of Eldon Housing Association; Hony Premlal, chief executive of Causeway Irish Housing Association; Martin Hilditch, editor of Inside Housing and Sandy Livingstone, chief executive of Onward Homes. In addition, several politicians participated, including former housing minister Eddie Hughes and Councillor Simy Dhyani, deputy leader of Dacorum Council.

Introduced in January, Cook off for Cancer is spearheaded by Dolan following a bowel cancer diagnosis and recovery two years ago. The initiative is centred around events carrying the theme of food, in a bid to raise as much money as possible for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a national charity for children and young people with cancer alongside their households. 

Currently, over £18,000 has been raised through Cook off for Cancer in support of Young Lives vs Cancer.

 Dolan said: “It was fantastic to see our Cook off for Cancer competitors having so much fun and I want to thank everyone who got involved and donated to the campaign. 

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from the housing and hospitality sectors and I look forward to sharing more announcements in the coming months …”

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.