Food fight against cancer

The Yorkshire Factor’ was the secret ingredient to creating the perfect charity fundraiser, according to TV chef Brian Turner.

The Ready Steady Cook star was in Sheffield to take part in the Food Fight Against Cancer with his good friend and fellow celebrity cook, James Martin. 

The pair battled it out over hot stoves in front of a live audience at The Crucible Theatre to raise over £75,000, which will benefit, Cavendish Cancer Care and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and Anthony Nolan. 

Brian, said: “I became involved in Food Fight Against Cancer as my good friend David Baldwin asked me if I could lend a hand and I said ‘David, if you’re asking I can never say no’, he’s always been so kind to me.”  

Star of BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, James Martin, said: “I’m in Yorkshire on a regular basis now with my restaurants inLeedsand so anything I can do to help a worthwhile cause, and Brian of course, who helped me out so much when I was younger, I am happy to do.” 

James said Food Fight Against Cancer was a great stage for the pair’s reunion as it had been more than a decade since they cooked together in front of an audience.

He said: “We were both on Ready Steady Cook for lots of years and did the stage shows around the country together, but that was 12 years ago. The last time I was in The Crucible was to watch the snooker with my granddad who lives in the west ofSheffield.” 

Brian said: “It’s actually my first time in The Crucible – but I was awarded my honorary doctorate fromSheffieldHallamUniversity, who are just over the road, for services to catering in 2008. But I was here not long ago visiting David and his wife and we eat atBaldwins.”

The banter between the two Yorkshire-born chefs was rife throughout the evening and kept the 600-strong audience laughing throughout, while BBC Look North’s Christa Ackroyd acted as referee and compere.  

The second half of Food Fight Against Cancer paid homage to Brian and James’ time on Ready Steady Cook as they were given a surprise bag of food they had to transform into a tasty meal.

James joked that the two would be showcasing two different types of cooking – Brian the older, more traditional methods and James the more modern techniques.

Kay Simons said: “Food Fight Against Cancer went better than I could ever have imagined. James, Brian and Christa were amazing and everyone left with smiles on their faces. The amount the event has raised is incredible and all the messages of support have been fantastic.”

We are extremely grateful to Kay for all her hard work what she has achieved is magnificent and we really appreciate her support