BAKING duo Diane and David Tovey are riding on the crest of a wave thanks to their latest fundraising efforts.
Since 2005, the pair have been raising money for the local lifeboat crew by baking cakes and selling them from their home on the Humberston Fitties – and this year their tasty treats have raised a total of £1,096.
The couple, who have lived on the site for seven years, set up a stall outside their chalet during bank holiday weekends over the summer, and over two days they raised £189 during the August Bank Holiday.
Top baker, Diane, started baking at the age of 10 with the inspiration from her grandmother Lillian Smith.
She said: "My grandmother started me off with the baking bug by creating a classic; the Victoria sponge cake.
"I created a green one, with green icing and grapes on top – I was worried what she would think of it, but she loved it and it meant the world to me.
"I bake at least once a weekend and I have a huge cook book full of my recipes.
"I like to experiment and my banana and honey cakes are popular, as well as the chocolate fudge cake.
"I am diabetic, so I keep making cakes with no sugar in, and I make other diet-conscious cakes for coeliacs."
Diane said the reason why they "give something back" is because she had a near-death experience about ten years ago.
"I had a heart attack which led to major heart surgery – and after that we decided to raise money for worthy charities," she explained.
"And the RNLI do such a fantastic job saving people's lives – their equipment is so expensive. For example, it costs £1,000 just to kit someone out with the clothing."
Altogether the couple have raised £5,243 and every time they send in proceeds, they receive a certificate – and over the years they have filled a folder.
David said: "We don't do this to be recognised, we raise money to help others – even though it is nice to be appreciated.
"We want to let the public know where their money goes when they spend it on Diane's delicious cakes – people on the Fitties know about her cooking skills and always ask if there are any left.
"We also want to thank everyone who has supported us and Jake Speight, who has paid for our insurance which has enabled us to do this.
"It's amazing how something so simple can raise so much for a good cause!"
