Catherine Louise TurnerMuch-loved television chef Ainsley Harriott MBE brought his trademark energy and kitchen expertise to Martin House Children’s Hospice this week, trading the studio spotlight for a local hospice kitchen to surprise young patients, their families, and the hard-working care staff.
The former Ready Steady Cook presenter visited the facility located on Grove Road, Clifford, Boston Spa to explore the hospice’s newly transformed Teenage Wing.
However, it wasn’t long before the culinary icon felt the call of the kitchen. Unable to resist getting stuck in, Harriott quickly donned his apron to assist the hospice’s dedicated catering team.
He helped chop, stir, and add the crucial finishing touches to the evening meal served to the residents and staff. The Culmination of “THE BUILD”
This special visit comes just weeks after East Side Story covered the historic official opening of the site. As previously reported, former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the massive £21.9 million redevelopment project known as “THE BUILD”. The extensive transformation was launched to meet the changing needs of children receiving hospice care.
Thanks to rapid clinical advancements, children with serious illnesses are thankfully living longer, meaning their medical needs have become far more complex.
The state-of-the-art facilities ensure the charity can continue providing modern, world-class palliative care for children and young people across the region.
What the New Facilities Mean for Families The vast project has completely overhauled the Boston Spa site into a welcoming, highly tailored environment, which Harriott was able to tour first-hand: The Kids’ Wing: Features nine woodland-themed bedrooms equipped with built-in oxygen points, removing the need for heavy oxygen canisters.
The Teenage Wing: Comprises six bedrooms designed to foster independence for older children, complete with a social area, gaming zone, and a professional recording studio. The Wellbeing Space: A brand-new suite featuring a hydrotherapy pool, immersive sensory rooms, and a cinema space.
The Training Centre: A specialised hub designed to train the next generation of doctors and nurses in children’s palliative care.
A Special Connection
This visit marked Harriett’s second trip to the Boston Spa hospice, having previously supported the charity at their major 2025 Glitter Ball fundraising gala at Rudding Park. Reflecting on his return, Harriott shared how brilliant it was to see the modern Teenage Wing fully operational.
He praised the internal catering staff, noting that the families deeply appreciate the home-cooked comfort food provided during their stays. For the management team at Martin House Children’s Hospice, having a celebrity guest in the kitchen highlighted a core element of their daily care strategy.
Bringing comfort through food remains vital for parents navigating the intense daily pressures of caring for a child with a life-shortening condition, providing them with one less critical thing to worry about. Martin House provides specialized care to more than 550 children and young people across West, North, and East Yorkshire every year. For updates on future events or to support the regional charity campaigns, visit the Martin House Children’s Hospice Website: martinhouse.org.uk
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