A HOSPICE chef will be dropping the kitchen in place of her kicks as she takes on the Reading Half Marathon for a worthy cause.
Jo-Ann Adams, is set to tackle the 13.1-mile course to raise funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading where she started working in January.
The hospice, which is based on Liebenrood Road, provides palliative care and support to people living with life-limiting conditions across Berkshire, while supporting their families.
The Whitley resident has already raised more than £300 and will be running the half marathon for the third time.
Jo-Ann explained: “Some of my friends from a local running club had asked me if I was going to sign up for the Reading Half Marathon, but I wasn’t sure as I had just got this new job at the hospice and I knew I would be working some weekends.
“However, by a stroke of luck when I got my shifts I had that weekend off, so I was able to take part. Later that day I saw an advert on social media about running the Reading Half Marathon for Sue Ryder, and it seemed like fate. I signed up for the charity place there and then.
“Since then I have spoken to people about my new job and some of them have told me about their own personal connections to Sue Ryder through loved ones being cared for here at the hospice, which has really brought the cause closer to home.”
Jo-Ann has many years of experience in the catering industry, working at a care home in Newbury before moving to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
She said: “When my children were young I worked in catering at a school, before working as a chef at a care home for eight years.
“About four years ago, I decided to try something else and moved into an admin role, but I really missed being in the kitchen. The saying is true, you can take the chef out of the kitchen, but you can’t take the kitchen out of the chef.
“When I saw this job I thought it would be perfect as I have always enjoyed knowing who my customers are and seeing the positive difference I’m making – something that’s not always possible in hotels or restaurants. I am loving it so far and I feel like I’m part of the furniture already.”
In her role, Jo-Ann works alongside another chef and a catering assistant to provide high quality, nutritious and delicious home-cooked food for the home’s inpatient residents.
She credits her nan, who she described as an ‘amazing cook’ and ‘brilliant baker’, for introducing her to the kitchen.
“I am at my happiest when I am in the kitchen, and it’s been so nice to receive such positive comments from patients, families and staff on my cooking,” she said.
“We have just re-introduced ‘tea at three’, and one of my favourite things is making biscuits to go around the inpatient unit on the trolley every day – my cakes have gone down very well too.
“I know I made the right decision by coming back into catering and working in a care environment. I just enjoy making a difference for those who need it the most.”
To donate to Jo-Ann’s fundraising page, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jo-Ann-Adams2
