Cooking up ideas for fund raising can be difficult – but chef Andy Gabbitas and his wife Toni knew exactly where to start. As proprietors of The Wortley Arms, the couple decided to utilise their culinary expertise and create a cook book, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
In a society where celebrity-endorsed books are flying off the shelves, a publication featuring over 30 mouth-watering recipes (often found on the menu in The Wortley Arms and using ingredients sourced locally) offers the reader a refreshing change from the norm and the opportunity to support their community and a worthwhile charity.
Andy is a Masterchef of Great Britain who, prior to moving to the village of Wortley on the outskirts of Sheffield, spent seven years travelling the world and serving up fine cuisine to high-profile figures such as Margaret Thatcher, John Major and designers Dolce & Gabbana. After cancer touched his family, he and Toni mobilised and decided to do everything they could to raise money for Marie Curie. In April 2010 the pair will be running the London Marathon, and after months of training and getting sponsorship, they are ready to take on the challenge.
The concept for The Wortley Arms Cook Book was hatched in slightly more relaxing circumstances. While chatting over a pint with friends, Andy was encouraged to put his skills and knowledge to good use. After securing support from broadcaster and comedian Toby Foster and a local publishing company, the 48-page book went into production – kindly financed by Andy’s suppliers and friends with everyone working on it generously giving their time freely.
The team has finally reached boiling point with the book ready for release on 26 February 2010 and aiming to raise £15,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care – it will be available from The Wortley Arms, Mitchells Wines in Meadowhead and every branch of Crawshaws Butchers; the minimum donation is £5.
Now everybody has the opportunity to take the magic from the menu at The Wortley Arms into their own kitchen – Andy has even revealed the recipe to the famous Wortley Venison Pie!
Culinary luminaries Heston Blumenthal, Angela Hartnett, Fergus Henderson and Herbert Berger are combining their formidable forces this October to host the celebrated Action Against Hunger Fine Wine Auction and Dinner 2009. 
Makeup artist, Jemma Kidd, is teaming up with Chelsea restaurant Papillon for London Fashion Week and has created a menu of favourite dishes to raise money for Children with Leukaemia.
We are right in the middle of Somerfield’s charity fund-raising event - their Wine and Cheese Party.
The Crises Cookbook is a collection of recipes from 28 top chefs.
. Of the cost £3 goes to the Crises Charity. 
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