15 May 2024 Fundraising

Local eateries can help to cook up change with new charity initiative

Pubs, bars and restaurants across the country are being called upon to get involved with Leukaemia UK’s Cooking Up Change to raise money for vital research into leukaemia and related blood cancers.  

Throughout June research and advocacy charity Leukaemia UK is calling on eateries and community venues to come up with some sizzling fundraising ideas, and be in with a chance of securing tickets for the charity’s exclusive culinary event Who’s Cooking Dinner? at London’s Dorchester hotel.  

The simple premise is to see which venue can raise the most money through fun events such as pub quizzes, themed evenings, raffles, murder mystery nights, coffee and cake mornings, or whatever their imagination allows. They could be brand-new occasions or simply dedicating existing activities or regular events to fundraising for Leukaemia UK throughout the month. 

The winning fundraisers will secure two coveted tickets to Leukaemia UK’s Who’s Cooking Dinner? at The Dorchester Hotel in London, including a night’s accommodation in the capital. The Michelin-star studded event, which is now in its 25th year, attracts the UK’s finest chefs and, in previous years, has secured household names including Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Tom Kerridge to cook for guests.  

The Rockingham Arms in Romsey has already signed up. Its Head Chef Rob Roe says:

“We are really looking forward to taking part in Cooking Up Change this June. It’s such a great way to get the local community together for some fun whilst raising vital funds for a fantastic charity.”

The team at The Rockingham Arms in Romsey

Pubs, bars and restaurants can enter themselves into the contest or members of the public can nominate their favourite culinary destination too. All proceeds from Cooking Up Change will go to Leukaemia UK to help fund research into better, kinder treatments for the devastating disease, which is the most common childhood cancer. Every day 27 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK  and only half of those diagnosed survive beyond five years. That’s why Leukaemia UK is dedicated to funding research that can accelerate progress and stop leukaemia from devastating lives.  

Leukaemia UK Ambassador and world-renowned chef Francesco Mazzei says: “As this year is the 25th anniversary of Who’s Cooking Dinner?, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Everyone in attendance will be in for one of the finest feasts of their lives. By taking part in Cooking Up Change, you can not only be in with the chance of being there yourself on the night but also take on a unique opportunity to bring your local community together and raise money for Leukaemia UK to help stop leukaemia from devastating lives.” 

Leukaemia UK’s Community and Challenge Manager Hanna Chorley said: “We are so excited for local pubs and restaurants to get fundraising for us – visit our website to find out more and get Cooking Up Change!” 

If you are interested in participating or if you want to nominate your favourite restaurant, pub, bar, or community venue, please email fundraising@leukaemiauk.org.uk by the 31st May 2024*. 

*Cooking Up Change is open to UK entrants only. Participating restaurants and pubs must be signed up to take part in the competition by 31st May 2024. Hotel stay is only valid on 16th September 2024 and no cash alternative is available. Winners will be notified in July and announced on our website and social media channels.