A husband has launched a charity cookbook in memory of his wife and to support the hospice that cared for her.
The cookbook, produced by David Hall, is called Auntie Jayne’s Favourite Recipes and is raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
David and Jayne, of Carlisle, began to create the cookbook last year while Jayne, who worked at United Utilities, received care for secondary breast cancer.
“For many years Jayne was known as Auntie Jayne due to her caring nature for the apprentices, new and existing employees,” explained David.
“Jayne would take her home-cooked meals and cakes to share with everyone and one day Helen said ‘you should write a cookbook, Auntie Jayne.’
“When we found out Jayne had secondary breast cancer our lives were devastated and to give us some focus and hope I said to Jayne ‘should we write that cookbook darling?’
“Jayne thought for a second and said that would be lovely, charities are suffering through this pandemic so we will do it for charity to raise much-needed funds.
“The Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw cared for Jayne’s mum, Sylvia, so they are close to our hearts for the outstanding care Sylvia received during the final days of her life and the care for our niece, Sarah Hall, who passed with cancer during 2020. So the decision was final, all funds would be donated to the hospice.”
The cookbook includes many of Jayne’s favourite recipes, including ‘easy-peasy’ chilli prawns, Malayan chicken, key lime pie and much more.
Jayne, who was affectionately known as Auntie Jayne by the apprentices at United Utilities, took many of the recipes to work for the apprentices and her colleagues to enjoy.
“We set to thinking about meals Jayne had cooked over the years and picked our favourites,” continued David.
“We started well and then as Jayne became more poorly, my focus was on giving Jayne the best care 24/7.
“When Jayne went into hospital on November 31 I was fortunate to be given access to be with Jayne and I was by her bedside day and night and caring for her with support of hospital staff.
“We spoke about the cookbook and I made a promise to Jayne that I would finish the cookbook and make her proud, I hope we have done that.
“Special thanks to friend Sadie Cunliffe, graphic designer, who has turned a dull word document into a lovely A5 cookbook. A special thanks to Jill Glencross funeral directors for their generous sponsorship and production of the cookbook.”
More than 400 copies of the cookbook have already been sold, with the money raised helping Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw to provide the highest standards of specialist care and compassion to local people with life-limiting illnesses.
For a suggested donation of £3 you can pick up your copy of the cookbook in Crumbs in Dalston, Carrock Meats in Dalston, The Dalston Fryer and from Jill Glencross Independent Funeral Directors, Dalston.
Alternatively, you can contact David directly by emailing [email protected].
If you would like to host your own fundraising challenge in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org, www.jigsawhospice.org, contact the fundraising team on 01228 810801 or email [email protected]
“Jayne was an amazing lady. I was so privileged to have as my wonderful wife,” concluded David.
