FIFTEEN top chefs have raised a quarter of a million pounds for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.
The 15 chefs, including Michelin star holders and winners of many other top culinary awards, took part in the biennial fundraising event ‘Chefs’ Night Out’ on Saturday, 29th March and raised £250,000.
Organised by long-time Tŷ Hafan supporters David Loosemore, managing director of Portabella, and Huw Edwards, Head of Auctions and Auctioneer at Seel & Co, the event saw some of the best culinary talents in the country come together to cook their signature dishes for members of south Wales’ business community to raise money for children with life-shortening conditions and their families in Wales.
It took place at Cornerstone, Cardiff and the 15 chefs cooked for 140 appreciative diners, with the event now a firm fixture in Tŷ Hafan’s fundraising calendar since it started in 2010.
“Once again, we are absolutely amazed by the huge generosity of our guests and the total of £250,000 is far beyond any of our expectations,” said Huw Edwards, speaking after the event.”
This year’s sought-after event sold out within days and saw each chef catering for a table of 10. During the evening diners also had the opportunity to bid for the services for some of the chefs to cook for them at their own homes or a private venue of their own choice at a later date.
Miller-Dieker syndrome
Alex and Dan Forbes and their three children Felix, 12, Lottie, 10, and four-year-old Maggie live in the Vale and are supported by Tŷ Hafan. Felix was born with Miller-Dieker syndrome, which means he cannot walk or talk, is fed through a tube and has daily seizures. The couple shared their story with the chefs and diners on the night.
“Being asked to speak at Chefs’ Night Out and share our story of what it’s like being a Tŷ Hafan family was an honour,” said Alex.
“To be able to share the many ways Tŷ Hafan has supported us over the years, hopefully showcases how vitally important not only the work Tŷ Hafan does. The whole night was an extraordinary experience. The time the chefs took out themselves to be there and create this spectacular evening was just incredible and we were totally blown away by the money raised.”
Rachel Ritter, head of fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said: “Too many families in Wales are struggling through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short. When every day could be their child’s last, families should be making memories together instead of facing each one with dread. No family should have to live this journey on their own.
“Right now, we only have enough money to help one in ten families in Wales who need our help. We need to do more.”
Those chefs who took part in Chefs’ Night Out 2025 for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice were:
- Sian Wyn Owen from The River Café.
- Stephen Terry, formerly at The Hardwick.
- David Kelman from Estelle Manor.
- Roger Jones, formerly at The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.
- Matt Smith from Freemasons at Wiswell.
- Hywel Jones from Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park.
- Adam Wood from Noble Rot.
- Andrew Birch from The Checkers.
- Douglas Balish from Fernery Grove of Narberth.
- Dan Andrée from Penmaenuchaf.
- Tom Waters from Gorse.
- Tom Peters from Thomas.
- Jonathan Woolway from The Shed.
- Owen Morgan from Grupo 44.
- Ludovic Dieumegard from Harbourmaster.
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