Industry pays tribute as chef Murray Chapman dies

Tributes have been paid to chef Murray Chapman, who has died following an illness.

 

The Catey award winner was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and frontal lobe dementia earlier this year.

 

A GoFundMe page launched in June to support the chef and his family raised more than £13,000 in donations.

 

Chapman founded non-profit initiative A Passion to Inspire in 2009 to support front and back of house students through their hospitality education by working with colleges, renowned chefs and suppliers.

 

As well as encouraging students to enter competitions such as Zest Quest Asia, the project also raised £240,000 for charities such as Teenage Cancer Trust and Hospitality Action.

 

Chapman won the Education and Training Award at the 2021 Cateys for his work nurturing the next generation of talent and was described by judges as an “exceptionally dedicated and selfless educator”.

 

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “It is with deep sadness that [we report] our very dear friend and fellow chef Murray Chapman passed away last night (14 October). 

 

“Murray had been ill for some time with MND, but still every day talking about just what he could do for others, never himself, such as the stature of the man.

 

“Creator of A Passion to Inspire, a programme that was at the forefront of just what he was about – young chefs, education, learning, and passing on knowledge. Passion to Inspire, was so close to his heart, he lived and breathed it, Murray had a thirst to make things better for all and let all know that they must fulfil their own potential.

 

“You knew when Murray was in the room, he filled it with his incredible excitement, that big grin, his dart over to you, and that famous Murray hug! The industry has indeed lost another great, but knowing Murray it will just be the start of another adventure.

 

“Thank you Murray for making a difference, thank you Murray for all that you have done for so many with your Passion to Inspire, RIP.”