AROUND 100 people enjoyed a day of unusual cookery demonstrations at Wimbleball Lake when chef Ryan Riley showed how to help cancer patients enjoy food again.
The free event was hosted by Somerset South West Fishing for Life, and it was organised to help cancer patients and also raise awareness of Ryan’s charity, Life Kitchen.
“We all learned a terrific amount, and realised how the taste buds are affected by chemotherapy,” said Gillian Payne, secretary of the fly fishing charity, which was set up to help women with breast cancer.
“People who have had chemotherapy often have a metallic taste that can sometimes stay with them always, but Ryan showed us how to disguise this with chillies, olive oil, herbs and flavourings I never even heard of.”
Ryan, who founded Life Kitchen in memory of his mother who died of cancer, is working with a University of London world authority in taste and the senses, undertaking pioneering research so that people with the disease can experience the delight of flavour again.
Life Kitchen has been developing new recipes based on this innovative research and Ryan is showing the special cookery around Britain, focusing on delicious food and giving joy to people at difficult times.
The Wimbleball event included three demonstrations throughout the day, with three recipes at each session.
“They tasted delicious and we learnt all sorts of ways to use spices and herbs in different combinations,” said Gillian.
“One lady said afterwards she only wished she had known how to cook like this while her own mother was poorly with cancer.
“We all know someone who has suffered or is suffering with cancer, and to be able to cook a meal especially for them, will be lovely.”
A raffle at each demonstration also helped raise money for Life Kitchen, and a number of craft stalls and games, made it altogether “a very jolly day”.
“We plan to repeat the event again next year – by which time Ryan will be a celebrity,” said Gillian.
Ryan’s first classes after he started earlier this year, were held at celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage headquarters on the Devon border.