Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer was among the first in line to offer support at the Alvanley Arms charity night and dinner to honour a fellow chef recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Robinsons Brewery’s Marketing Director David Bremner and Retail Marketing Manager Sarah Rogers facilitated the evening’s events at the Alvanley Arms Inn, Cotebrook where licensee Harry Challinor paid tribute to their young chef who became diagnosed with terminal bowel and stomach cancer after 5 weeks of working at the pub.
The Alvanley Arms team, celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, friends, family and visitors to the event raised over £15,000 in a raffle and auction for Aaron’s suggested charity When You Wish Upon a Star
Licensee of Alvanley Arms, Harry Challinor, explained:
“Earlier this year we had the good fortune in employing a young, very talented and passionate Chef called Aaron. After 5 weeks of working for us, we developed a great connection with Aaron, as he made such an enormous impact on our pub. However, he became ill and, at just 25 years of age, has now been diagnosed with terminal bowel and stomach cancer. On hearing this devastating news, myself, Julie and all at The Alvanley organised an event to raise awareness of this deadly disease and raise some money for Aaron.”
The charity event and dinner involved some of Aaron’s fellow chefs from his time served in London. Together they helped to serve up Aaron’s expertly created menu: Live Rock Pool (crab ravioli, mussels, clams, prawns and sea herbs with a shellfish bisque), Cherry Bakewell (cherry soup, frangipane sphere, toasted almonds, cherry sorbet and Italian meringue), and many more delicious memorable dishes.
Harry continued:
“The event was very emotional, but we had a great turn out and we’d like to say a big thank you to all who helped make the night so special. A 2-hour helicopter ride over Cheshire was donated to Aaron as part of the auction, and after experiencing the trip on Saturday, he said it was the best thing he’s ever done. Robinsons also helped a lot with the night, with a special thanks to David Bremner and Sarah Rogers who facilitated enormously. In spite of the circumstances, we’re incredibly proud of the community for pulling together and to have raised so much in such a short period; this is tribute to Aaron and how much everybody thinks of him.”
With the great help and generosity of all involved, The Alvanley Arms raised a huge £15,100. All of the proceeds raised will be going to Aaron’s suggested charity, When You Wish Upon A Star.
Photo One – Aaron with The Alvanley Arms team and Simon Rimmer, taken from the charity night
Photo two – Licensee, Harry Challinor (left), stood next to Aaron (right)
Photo three – Aaron with The Alvanley Arms team, taken from the charity night
Photo four – The Alvanley Arms team presenting cheque of £15,100