Elior grants five-year-old's wish to become a chef

Contract caterer Elior has helped a seriously ill girl fulfil her dream of becoming a chef.

Five-year-old Isla Johnson from Grays, Essex was diagnosed with intestinal failure in infancy, which means she's unable to eat or drink.

Isla loves cooking and has always dreamed of becoming a chef. Starlight, the charity which grants wishes for children with serious and terminal illnesses, partnered with Elior to organise the experience for her.

They started at the Royal Institution in London's Mayfair. Isla and her brother Jack were given personalised chef whites. After rolling truffles, making chocolate lollipops and baking and decorating cupcakes the family were taken to the Ritz for a private tour.

Ashlee Johnson, Isla's mother, said: "I don't even know where to begin. The whole time we were there, we felt so special. Jack and Isla adore Peter [Joyner, food development director at Elior UK] and really can't thank him enough for all he did for us. We are truly grateful for such an amazing time; we hardly ever get to spend time together as a family. For the first time in I don't know how many years I have a photo of all of us together outside the hospital environment."

Joyner said: "Helping to grant this Starlight Wish was probably one of the best days of my whole career. Seeing Isla's face light up when she put her chef whites on was amazing. From there, I knew it was going to be a remarkable day. She was so full of life, and it was lovely to see her and her family enjoying themselves. It makes you realise what's really important in life. I'd like to thank John Williams and the Ritz, who helped make this day so special."

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