The region’s next generation of talented chefs have been showcasing their skills to raise money for a new ‘super theatre’ being built at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).
Students from the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College cooked for around 70 people at St Thomas Baptist Church, raising more than £600 for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity’s Super Theatre Appeal.
Tickets for the event, which also raised £600 for Dementia UK, completely sold out, and those lucky enough to book a table enjoyed dishes including smoked salmon crostini, mushroom and spinach pasta, and mascarpone and strawberry tart.
The event was organised by 17-year-old Lana Cousley, who is studying for her Diploma in Professional Cookery at the academy, which was inspired by former student, Michelin-starred Michael Caines.
Lana spoke to cookery school tutors, who were not only on board with the idea but also agreed to cover the cost of the food.
She said: “It was a great opportunity for us to show people our cookery skills, and we were delighted to be able to also raise so much money for two worthwhile causes.
The team of girls who helped me are all absolutely incredible and none of what was achieved would have been done without them.
– Lana Cousley, student chef
“Huge thanks also to everyone who came along on the evening, and to the college for providing all the ingredients, ensuring that all the money we raised could go to our two chosen charities.”
Ian Biggar, the academy’s Tutorial Area Manager for Hospitality, said he couldn’t be prouder of his students.
“They all did an amazing job and showed real enthusiasm, teamwork, and professionalism. It was great to see them put their skills into action while supporting such a great cause.”
Tom Darby-Clark, community fundraiser at Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, added: “Lana and the team were brilliant; not only was a real treat to be served such delicious food by some of Exeter’s most talented young chefs, it was also incredibly inspiring to see them supporting our Super Theatre Appeal.
This new state-of-the-art operating theatre will revolutionise the type of surgery the hospital can provide, meaning fewer procedures, reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times after surgery, and less time in hospital.
– Tom Darby-Clark, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity
“It will do so much for patients across Devon and the money Lana and her team have raised will take us one step closer to making this exciting project a reality.”
Find out more about the Super Theatre Appeal here.
