Martin House patients treated to meals prepared by Ainsley Harriott as chef visits Leeds children’s hospice
Here is why a TV star found himself in the kitchen of Leeds’ largest children’s hospice
Ainsley Harriott has visited Martin House Children’s Hospice in Leeds, and helped prepare dinner for patients, families, and staff during his visit.
The TV chef toured the hospice’s newly transformed Teenage Wing, which was completed as part of Martin House’s £21.9 million redevelopment project, THE BUILD.
Harriott was introduced to several families at the Boston Spa hospice which provides palliative care and respite stays for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
Speaking about his visit, Harriott 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.”
The chef, known for hosting shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, also decided to step into the kitchen and add the finishing touches to evening meals.
Harriott said: “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.”
Harriott first visited Martin House last year where he toured the hospice’s new Children’s Wing before attending the 2025 Glitter Ball fundraising event 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."
She continued: “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.”