Hundreds of people braved torrential rain to raise £77,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline service at the Great Cumbrian Chefs’ Dinner.
A marquee in the grounds of Lowick Hall, near Ulverston – the former home of Swallow and Amazons author Arthur Ransome – hosted four Michelin-starred chefs who prepared a menu using locally sourced produce for the event, sponsored by Furness Building Society and Warburtons.
Guests wore black tie, evening dress and wellingtons and included Lili Myers, author and widow of Hairy Biker Dave Myers and World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty.
NSPCC trustee Sheanna Patelmaster told guests how Childline counsellors helped her following childhood abuse, and how important the funds raised at the Great Cumbrian Chefs’ Dinner would be to the service.
Chef Harriet MacArthur prepared the canapés and the meal was devised by Paul Heathcote MBE, owner and executive chef for Heathcote & Co, Ryan Blackburn, owner and executive chef at The Old Stamp House and The Schelly, in Ambleside, Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef, Source at The Gilpin Hotel in Windermere and Paul Leonard, head chef at The Forest Side, Grasmere.
Ryan said: “Despite the challenging weather conditions guests braved the elements to enjoy what proved to be an incredible evening of hospitality.
“On the night the guests raised a fantastic £77,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline – an incredible amount. I’d personally like to say thank you to everyone involved who made the event possible through their incredible generosity.
“As a result, it will make a real difference to young people in Cumbria and across the North West.’’
Carl Fogarty said: “I’ve been supporting the NSPCC as an ambassador for over 20 years now and it’s great to have an event in the Lake District raising money for Childline.”
Owner of Lowick Hall, John Worth, said: “Everybody really pulled together, the four Michelin-starred chefs did a great job, the food was superb and everyone has been so generous with the prizes and donations to Childline for services in Cumbria and the North West.
“To have raised the amount we did on the night is absolutely fantastic and thanks to the staff and volunteers from the NSPCC who were with us on the evening. It’s been great.”
NSPCC Cumbria and West Lancashire community fundraising manager, Janette Drew, said: “It was an amazing evening. Raising over £77,000 is more than we had hoped for and it will go towards keeping children safe though Childline.”
Presenter and co-founder of Happy Radio UK Darren Proctor was MC for the evening and auctioned an assortment of special prizes including private dining experiences, with each chef donating to the event.
A silent auction also raised money with unique items including artwork and the chance to have a private butler.
