Food for Thought – part autobiography, part cookbook – has been published. The book, written by David Croft, has been supported by a number of companies and will, in turn, support two charities; Hospitality Action and Regain – The Trust for Sports Tetraplegics.
While working in Bermuda, the former chef went diving, having no idea that it would change his life. On the same day that he was informed that he would compete in the 1980 world karate championships and inaugural world games, a terrible accident paralysed the former Savoy and Churchill chef from the shoulders down.
The book is a powerful account of his life story documenting the highs and lows, often in a humorous way. In addition, 30 of Britain’s best chefs including Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay have contributed stunning recipes to the book.
Food for Thought aims to educate the hospitality industry on the best ways to cater for disabled guests and diners for the 2012 Olympics and beyond.
Penny More, chief executive of Hospitality Action says: “To have esteemed chefs such as Brian Turner and James Martin on board with this project is a testament to his hard work and sheer dedication. We are very grateful to David for thinking of Hospitality Action.”
To celebrate the publication of Food for Thought The Merrymoor Inn, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall in conjunction with David hosted a special book signing. For £15 supporters enjoyed a three-course meal with wine, comprising of dishes featured in the book, as well as a charity auction and entertainment.
The evening resulted in over £1,500 raised for Hospitality Action and Regain thanks to the support of Dobles Quality Foods, Newquay Fruits, Mr Meats, Roddas, 3663 and St Austell Brewery.
David says: “I’m extremely grateful to the Merrymoor for hosting the evening and to everyone who supported the event, which raised so much for the charities. It was a superb night with three lovely recipes from the book enjoyed by all.
“I’m so pleased that my book is now officially published and available to buy in major bookshops and websites, along with my own website. Hopefully, it will be possible to do one or two more book signings in Cornwall or elsewhere as people seem to appreciate having a personally signed copy of the book.”
To order your copy of Food for Thought and for further information visit www.davidcroft.info
To learn more about charity Hospitality Action visit www.hospitalityaction.org.uk and for further information regarding Regain please visit www.regainsportscharity.com
Food for Thought is available from Troubador Publishing for £14.99.
Hospitality Action
Hospitality Action is the trade charity for the hospitality industry. Registered Charity number: 1101083.
In 2010 Hospitality Action spent £394,666 supporting 1,497 people. 74% of those helped were below the age of 60 with 41% of the charities beneficiaries needing assistance after a life changing illness.
In 2010 the charity reached approximately 11,000 students in 200 colleges and universities via the Ark Foundation which educates hospitality students, employees and management to the dangers of drug and alcohol dependency.
Regain
Regain is the only charitable organisation dedicated solely to improving the independence of all British men and women who have become tetraplegic (sometimes referred to as quadriplegic) as a result of a sports or leisure injury.