A charity coffee shop and bistro has secured a top talent for its kitchen.
The Ruddi’s Retreat charity is due to open a coffee shop soon with the help of Masterchef the Professionals chef Nat Tallents.
Proceeds from the coffee shop and bistro in Manchester Road, Linthwaite, will go towards a holiday lodge for the Ruddi’s Retreat cause.
The lodge will be for families with young children suffering from the effects and after effects of cancer treatment, life limiting illnesses or bereavement and will offer a place to enjoy a family holiday together.
Ali Jones, mum of five-year-old Ruddi who inspired the charity, said: “We are so excited to have Nat.
“She’s helping us launch and is amazing. She was really keen to get on board and get going.
“We hope to be open for the end of January or the beginning of February and we’ll raise money for the lodge.
“The caravans are brilliant but a lodge would mean we can have a hoist which means more children can go.
“There are more children in hospices we can help, so our plan is for a lodge with a firm roof that is suitable for a hoist.”
Ruddi was just over six months old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on his bladder and prostate.
Later this month Ruddi will mark four years in remission.
Ali said: “He has been amazing throughout it all, all my children are amazing but Ruddi inspired all of this.”
Ruddi’s Retreat has helped 30 local families and more than 100 families elsewhere so far.
It has provided them with a safe haven in Primrose Valley, near Filey, to escape to for some family time together.
Ali herself knows how a break can help and said: “It does make a massive difference. I know from my own experience the benefits a holiday can bring.”
