Aspiring chef gets day in kitchen

Tuesday 22nd May 2012

A young chef who watched television cookery shows while he was in hospital has been treated to a day in a professional kitchen.

Matthew Jackson had a private lesson with celebrity chef Alex MacKay as they created a homemade ravioli at The Kids Cookery School in London.

Eight-year-old Matthew was granted his dream day out by Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which helps children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

Matthew, from Christchurch, in Dorset, spent time in hospital being treated for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). He was diagnosed in March 2011 and in June 2011, he had a bone marrow transplant. The treatment meant Matthew lost his appetite, but it has gradually returned and, inspired by his love of TV food shows, Matthew hopes to become a chef or restaurant critic when he grows up.

As part of his day, Alex had Matthew making pasta from scratch, as mum Catherine watched on. At lunchtime, Matt's twin brother, James, his older brother Daniel, and Grandma Linda, arrived to try the ravioli and in the afternoon the family also had fun in the kitchen.

Catherine said: "Matthew's illness still has an impact on me and the rest of the family every day, so it was lovely that his wish meant that we all got to spend some time together. Just seeing him learning and really enjoying something that he loves was wonderful."

Chef Alex said: "It was both wonderful and humbling to meet Matt and a really special treat for me. I hope he felt the same way."

Make-A-Wish needs to raise £6.8million to support its work making wishes come true. To make a donation visit http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk or telephone 01276 405060.

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