Top TV chef helps out in kitchen at Yorkshire children's hospice
Ainsley Harriott at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa (Image: Provided)
A TOP TV chef has cooked up a meal with a difference - lending his culinary skills to a children's hospice alongside taking part in a charitable tour across the region.
Ainsley Harriott visited Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa, where he helped prepare dinner for young people staying at the hospice and members of its care team.
It was his second visit to the hospice, following a previous trip in 2025, and takes place as the chef travels to supermarkets across the north of England to drive donations with his food company Ainsley Foods.
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Ainsley said: "It’s the second time I’ve been lucky enough to visit Martin House, but the first time I’ve seen the Teenage Wing, and it was brilliant to see all the new facilities available to the young people they support.
"While on my tour, I couldn’t resist slipping my apron on and helping out in the kitchen. The catering team do an amazing job feeding families and the care team, and I’ve been told just how much families appreciate the food they provide.
"Having tasted some of the meals today, I’m not surprised. I was honoured to lend a helping hand and loved being shown around."
Ainsley at the new hydrotherapy pool
(Image: Provided)
During his visit, he toured the hospice’s newly completed Teenage Wing, part of Martin House’s £21.9 million redevelopment project known as THE BUILD.
He then joined the kitchen team to help finish preparing the evening meal and was then introduced to several of the families staying at the hospice.
The TV chef, best known for Ready Steady Cook and Can't Cook, Won't Cook, first visited Martin House last year, where he toured the new Children’s Wing before attending the 2025 Glitter Ball fundraising event at Rudding Park.
Ainsley Harriott at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa
(Image: Provided)
Vicki Greensmith, director of clinical services at Martin House, said: "We were absolutely delighted to welcome Ainsley back to Martin House and show him the facilities that have been completed since his last visit.
"For him to then help prepare dinner was even more special, and we’re so grateful for his continued support. Bringing comfort through food has always been an important part of the care we offer at Martin House.
"For many families caring for a child or young person with a life-shortening condition, there is so much going on that finding time to eat properly can be difficult.
Ainsley Harriott at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa
(Image: Provided)
"So when they come to the hospice, our kitchen team prepares delicious, home-cooked meals free of charge, giving parents one less thing to think about."
Each year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, along with their families, across West, North, and East Yorkshire.
More information about the hospice and ways to support it can be found at www.martinhouse.org.uk