Fundraiser launched for Murray Chapman following MND diagnosis

Over £7,000 has been raised to support former Catey award winner Murray Chapman, who was recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia and MND (motor neurone disease).

Chapman founded non-profit initiative A Passion to Inspire 15 years ago, which has played an instrumental role in upskilling students for careers in hospitality, as well as enabling them to enter competitions such as Zest Quest Asia and Young Pastry Chef.

At the 2021 Cateys (pictured above), he received the Education and Training Award for his steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, having been described by judges as an “exceptionally dedicated and selfless educator”.

Tuesday Foster, who works with Chapman, launched the fundraising campaign with the aim of raising £50,000 to allow Chapman, his wife Kathyrn and their two sons Jake and Fraser to adapt to their new way of life.

At the time of writing, over 100 donors had collectively raised over £7,000.

The funds will also enable the family to invest in new equipment for Chapman in the coming weeks and months and take off some of the day-to-day financial pressures as he begins to retire from the business.

Foster’s message on the GoFundMe page read: “Murray has dedicated most of his life to helping others. He is truly a phenomenal man who has continually put everyone before himself.

“I don’t think we can ever put into words, the feelings, the despair, the fear upon hearing the news on 24 May. Since then and over the last couple of weeks, the enormity of what this means for Murray and his family and the challenges all will face as this cruel disease takes hold is starting to become a reality."

He added: “Our hope for a cure one day will keep everyone going but for now, looking after Murray’s mental health and wellbeing is paramount. Thank you for taking time to read, and again anything you can donate is deeply appreciated.”

Click here to view the fundraiser for Murray Chapman.