Charlie Hodson becomes chef-patron of Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Norfolk chef and Hospitality Action ambassador Charlie Hodson has been appointed chef-patron of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn.

The chef, who is behind Charlie’s Norfolk Food Heroes and has recently opened the Hodson & Co Deli & Cheese Room in Aylsham, will support the hospital in raising awareness of the health benefits of good nutrition and advise on patient and staff menus.

Caroline Shaw, chief executive at QEH, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Charlie has decided to become our chef-patron. I’m really excited for Charlie to work with our fantastic catering team. Our teams work so hard all year round to feed our patients and staff and I’m grateful that Charlie is recognising this and wants to be involved.”

Hodson, (pictured, centre back) supported the QEH, his local hospital, throughout Covid-19 by cooking meals and taking part in fundraisers and staff initiatives.

He said: “I was lucky enough to be part of the team for the ‘kitchen takeover’ at QEH alongside the Victoria Inn & Holkham Estate during lockdown. It was here I had the privilege to meet Stewart Nimmo, catering manager, and his team, and I subsequently found myself in awe of how hard they work, under such tough circumstances during these challenging times.”

He added: “Since the beginning of Covid-19, I have seen many organisations go above and beyond in their local communities, even when they were struggling themselves. Businesses stepped up and realised the monumental task our NHS had on its hands.

“Throughout Covid-19 my relationship with the QEH, under the amazing leadership of Caroline Shaw and Laura Skaife-Knight, deputy chief executive and their team, has developed and I know they have worked tirelessly like every other member of the NHS within the UK to support of community through the pandemic.”

The Hodson & Co Deli & Cheese Room features products from Norfolk, including from Coxford’s Butchers, Walsingham Farm Shop, Crown Supplies, Netherton Foundry, IOShen Knives, Old Hall Farm Dairy, Cheese Truckle and TFW Fine Wine.