28-05-2025
Full chef line-up revealed for Cumbrian charity dinner
(Clockwise from Top L) Paul Leonard, head chef of the Forest Side; Ollie Bridgwater, chef at the Source at Gilpin; Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the The Old Stamp House; and Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co (Image: Supplied)
The four northern chefs taking part in the inaugural Great Cumbrian Chefs' Dinner, set to take place this autumn, have now been revealed.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, will be held at Lowick Hall, near Ulverston, Cumbria, and aims to raise funds for Childline.
The already sold-out evening will see 250 guests treated to a four-course menu, featuring dishes crafted by some of the UK's most celebrated chefs.
Culinary maestros include Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co; Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred The Old Stamp House and Bib Gourmand-awarded The Schelly; Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Source at Gilpin; and Paul Leonard, head chef of the Michelin-starred Forest Side.
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Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred The Old Stamp House and Bib Gourmand-awarded The Schelly (Image: Phil Rigby) The evening will be hosted by Darren Proctor, broadcaster and presenter, with John Townsend leading a live auction.
Lots will include dining experiences, weekend breaks, and home-dining packages.
All proceeds from the event will go towards funding the NSPCC's Childline service.
Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Source at Gilpin (Image: Supplied) John Worth, former NSPCC trustee and honorary treasurer, said: "We are thrilled to host the inaugural Great Cumbrian Chefs' Dinner at Lowick Hall.
"We hope this event will significantly contribute to the NSPCC's mission to protect children and prevent abuse.
"We would like to thank each of the chefs who have graciously agreed to participate this year, as their generosity makes this event possible."
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Paul Leonard, head chef of the Michelin-starred Forest Side (Image: Supplied) Blackburn, The Old Stamp House's chef-owner, said: "I'm always proud to be involved with events like this.
"Being able to support Childline and help raise funds to help them continue to deliver their free and confidential services, helping children and young people, is a fantastic thing to be involved with, and I'm thrilled to be able to help."
Janette Drew, community fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: "Volunteers and exceptional chefs have joined together to work tirelessly on this event.
"It's going to be a spectacular night in aid of Childline, and I want to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and support."
Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co (Image: Supplied) In 2022/2023, Childline received more than 700,000 calls, emails, and online chat messages.
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From these contacts, Childline delivered nearly 200,000 counselling sessions to children and young people.
According to the charity, mental and emotional health and wellbeing remain the top concern for child callers.
(L to R) Great Cumbrian Chefs Dinner Committee members Greg Stephenson, Harriet MacArthur, Jaqueline Townsend, Janette Drew (NSPCC), Sarah Gillibrand, Deborah Sefton (NSPCC), Loretta Blackburn, Marilyn Hale, and Sally F (Image: Supplied) Childline was launched nearly 40 years ago in 1986.
It became part of the NSPCC in 2006.
According to the charity, £4 pays for a trained volunteer counsellor to answer a child's call.
Those interested in supporting the event, or other fundraising and volunteering opportunities, are encouraged to contact Janette Drew, community fundraising manager for Cumbria and West Lancashire, by email at or on 07710 838169.
