Stellar Chefs to create extraordinary menu in support of Meningitis Now
Joe Allen lost his eldest brother Tom to acute bacterial meningitis just over 6 years ago. Since then Joe has made it his mission to help raise awareness of this devastating disease and to raise much needed funds for Meningitis Now, a charity that supports families affected by Meningitis and raises money for life-saving research.
A few years ago, Joe (an extremely talented chef) and two of his closest friends Aaron Thomas and Nathan Belgrave decided to use their culinary skills to hold an event to help raise awareness and funds in memory of Joe’s brother at college. In a little under three months the three of them organized a charity dinner for 120 people consisting of 8 courses sponsored by different chefs within London. Brett Graham (2 Michelin Starred the Ledbury) has been a keen supporter from day one and they went on to raise just under £10k from the first dinner.
Returning for a further three events, they have now raised over £50k and the support continues to grow. This years event will be held at Westminster Kingsway college on the 23rd March. Some of the best chefs up and down the country, to suppliers and big multinational companies have supported Joe’s fundraising for Meningitis Now; Brett Graham, Phil Howard, Mark Jarvis, Pierre Koffman, Mosimanns, D and D London, Trinity restaurant, Bookers Cash and Carry, Thorman Hunt, Parsley in Time etc.
This year the line up will be:
Jose Pizarro - Snacks Rob Kennedy from Chartwells - Bread Dan Cox, former Executive Chef of Fera - Vegetarian First Course Shaun Searley from The Quality Chophouse - Starter Mark Jarvis from Anglo – Fish Course Brett Graham from The Ledbury - Main Course
Callum Franklin – Pre-Dessert Matt Worswick from The Latymer – Dessert
Paul A Young – Petit Fours
There will also be a charity auction and raffle on the night, hosted by ex-Lions and Welsh International rugby legend John Taylor.
Carrie Baxter from Meningitis Now says, “I’m really looking forward to attending the dinner and supporting Joe. Joe and his family have rasied nearly £100,000 for Meningitis Now. It’s an incredible amount and we are so grateful for their continued support”.
Joe is running the London Marathon this year for a third time for the charity and throughout all their fundraising efforts, between himself, his family and friends, they have raised over £100k. It doesn’t stop there; the figure is still on the rise and will continue to do so.
To purchase tickets for this wonderful event check out Joe's Eventbrite page
here:
