Chemo Cookery Club is a book of recipes, written by Micheldever based cook Penny Ericson, after her husband Simon Hawkins who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. It contains over 150 delicious recipes specifically written for people undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Penny and Simon explained to Steve, over their kitchen table, how the venture is not about making special food, but about making food special.
Penny, who comes originally from Canada, had already published a recipe book in aid of the Helen Reinking Trust for Alzheimer's, and a friend suggested that she did something similar for cancer patients and carers. Then she met Simon who was half-way through a course of chemotherapy.
Penny said: "I searched for books that took a joyful view of food and that also took into consideration the special circumstances of patients with things like 'rubber-mouth' and 'metal-mouth'. Books that didn't look and feel like the inside of a clinic. Books that took a positive view of what often becomes a daily trial. I struggled. They just weren't there - at least not in abundance.
"The Chemo Cookery Club is the result and will offer you hundreds of recipes, cookery tips and nutritional advice along with a membership section where you will be able to ask questions and generally interact with other members about food and even share your favourite recipes."
Steve Brine said; "Penny and Simon originally got in touch with me when they read about my work with breast cancer and I just knew I had to meet them and learn about this book. Everyone I speak to immediately gets the concept and wants to buy the book. They are a lovely couple and I find it really moving how they have turned the horrible business of fighting cancer into something so positive. Penny's Zuccini Bread and Chicken Liver Pate is just incredible and even found favour with our three year-old, which doesn't happen often at the moment I can tell you!"
Pictured; Steve Brine with Penny Ericson in her kitchen which created the Chemo Cookery Club.
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You can buy copies of the Chemo Cookery Club book via Amazon
You can stay updated via www.chemocookeryclub.com and follow on Twitter