TV chef Ainsley Harriott has returned to Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa, trading his usual studio set-up for the hospice kitchen to help put together the evening meal for young patients and the care team.
The visit began with a look around the hospice’s newly finished Teenage Wing, part of a £21.9 million redevelopment scheme at the Boston Spa site known as THE BUILD. From there, Ainsley headed for the kitchen to help put the finishing touches on dinner, before meeting some of the families currently staying at the hospice.
Speaking about his visit, 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.”
Ready to cook again
Ainsley, familiar to viewers from his years fronting Ready Steady Cook and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, was making his second visit to Martin House. He first came to the hospice last year, when he toured the newly opened Children’s Wing before attending the hospice’s 2025 Glitter Ball fundraiser at Rudding Park.
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. 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.”
The hospice offers this kind of support to well over 550 children and young people, and their families, across the region each year, spanning West, North and East Yorkshire, all coping with a life-shortening condition.
