Ainsley Harriott Supports Martin House Children's Hospice During Recent Visit

On 17th August 2026, popular TV chef Ainsley Harriott made a special visit to Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa, where he helped prepare dinner for the young people staying there and the dedicated care team. This visit comes as part of Ainsley’s ongoing support for the hospice, which provides crucial care for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Ainsley’s Visit to Martin House

Ainsley Harriott, well-known for his cooking shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Can't Cook, Won't Cook, toured the newly renovated Teenage Wing of Martin House. This transformation is part of a significant £21.9 million redevelopment project aimed at enhancing the facilities available for the young residents. After exploring these new facilities, Ainsley stepped into the kitchen to lend a hand in preparing the evening meal.

During his visit, Ainsley shared his thoughts on the experience:

“It’s the second time I’ve been lucky enough to visit Martin House, but the first time I’ve seen the Teenage Wing, and it was brilliant to see all the new facilities available to the young people they support. While on my tour, I couldn’t resist slipping my apron on and helping out in the kitchen. The catering team do an amazing job feeding families and the care team, and I’ve been told just how much families appreciate the food they provide.”

Importance of Meals at Martin House

Meals at Martin House are not just about food; they play a crucial role in providing comfort to families during incredibly challenging times.

According to Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House:

“Bringing comfort through food has always been an important part of the care we offer at Martin House. For many families caring for a child or young person with a life-shortening condition, there is so much going on that finding time to eat properly can be difficult. So when they come to the hospice, our kitchen team prepares delicious, home-cooked meals free of charge, giving parents one less thing to think about.”

This thoughtful approach to meals helps families focus on what truly matters—spending quality time together during their stay at the hospice.

Support for Families

Martin House Children’s Hospice plays a vital role in supporting over 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions each year across West, North, and East Yorkshire. The hospice not only provides care but also offers bereavement support to families who have experienced loss, whether they used the hospice services or not. This comprehensive support is essential for helping families navigate their grief.

The Facilities at Martin House

Martin House is equipped with a range of facilities designed to cater to the needs of its young residents. The hospice features:

• Nine bedrooms in the children's wing

• Six bedrooms in the newly transformed teenage wing

• A hydrotherapy pool

• A wellbeing centre

• An education centre for training healthcare professionals in children's palliative care

The services provided include planned short breaks, symptom management, emergency care, community care, and end-of-life care. Notably, there is no cost to families using these services, which is made possible through voluntary donations and fundraising efforts.