A man with a muscle wasting condition has been donning his apron for a fundraising challenge backed by notable chefs and a comedian.
Sam Bailey, from Worthing, has been cooking up a feast of meatballs this November with his wife Katie in aid of The Muscle Help Foundation.
The 26-year-old, who lives with the genetic condition, and Katie, 27, have been long supporters of the charity, which makes dreams come true for children and young adults living with Muscular Dystrophy, and wanted to take part in its month-long fundraising campaign Meatball Month.
Back in 2012 avid nature lover Sam, who lives in Victoria Road, had his dream of meeting Ray Mears come true thanks to the foundation.
“We invited lots of friends and family over for our meatball party and they all kindly made a donation, in return for being fed well,” said Sam.
“This charity is really special to me and Katie. Not only have I had my dream come true thanks to their work, but so too have many other youngsters living with MD. The reality of our lives and the cards we’ve been dealt aren’t the best by any means, but it’s the charity-organised events from the Muscle Help Foundation that give us hope, friendship and memories to last a lifetime.
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“I am very fortunate enough to have recently been granted another experience from the charity which saw my wife Katie and I wheel on board a Wet wheels accessible powerboat at Mercury Harbour, experiencing the Solent and the beautiful Beaulieu River.
“If anyone wants to support the charity by organising their own meatball party there is still time to get involved – even if it ends up being in December that doesn’t matter. Or people can simply make a donation directly to the charity if they prefer.”
Katie and Sam have a blog together which they use to fundraise and provide care kits for those who are vulnerable and ill, in hospitals and at home:.
Over the past 20 years, the foundation has made hundreds of dreams a reality for its beneficiaries. This has included everything from meeting movie stars and sporting heroes such as Al Pacino and Lewis Hamilton, through to organising experiences like racing around Silverstone in Porsche 9-11s.
Comedian, presenter, writer and lover of great food Harry Hill, who also presents Junior Bake Off, has been spearheading the campaign and recently released a video asking the nation to “don their aprons” to support the charity’s work.
“I can’t think of a better way to raise money for a wonderful charity,” he said.
“Cooking meatballs, inviting friends and family over and then eating them - that’s the meatballs - not the friends and family.
“The only catch is they make a donation to help The Muscle Help Foundation improve the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy. Unless I’m missing something, it’s a win-win-win. I’m already preparing my meatball menu and it’s going to be delicious.”
The Meatball Month campaign has also got the backing of an array of notable chefs, many of whom have shared their very own meatball recipes, including Tom Kerridge, Angela Hartnett, Tom Parker-Bowles, Ken Hom, Ravneet Gill and Lawrence Dallaglio.
To find out more about the campaign visit meatballmonth.com to register your interest and be inspired by all of the amazing celebrity chef recipes.
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