One reads constantly of sad sudden deaths. There have been a few in our own community here in the last three months and it is always distressing when they are personal friends and well known to many others. Earlier this year a young chef who was a MasterChef ‘The Professionals’ semi finalist, Matt Campbell, from Cumbria, died in April this when he collapsed 3.7 miles from the finish line of the London Marathon.  He was a very talented young chef, only 29 years of age, and also a keen runner who had competed in may long distant runs. He was running for a local charity that he and his father were both passion about: The Brathay Trust in Ambleside. A charity that helps children at risk of suffering from poor mental health. He was hoping to raise  £2500 but because of his untimely death and the surge of supporters that  joined the #finishformatt online campaign, with thousands pledging to run or walk the 3.7 miles of his marathon and give donations to the charity. The total raised stood at £371,000 and has been used to support young people so as they can meet the challenges that adulthood brings.

The crowning glory that will mean his death will be remembered in our industry, comes with the news that the Craft Guild of Chefs has announced that they will be presenting a new award ‘Matt Campbell Extra Mile Award’ that will be given to the Chef who, in the run up to the finals of The National Chef of the Year competition, has impressed the judges with their determination and attitude.

It is sad when someone has to lose their life but if you are lucky enough, to be loved enough, to make a difference after your passing, it must be a comfort to the ones you leave behind.