Shotley peninsula mum and healthcare assistant, Callan Brett, was given a standing ovation by 200 guests at the Dorchester in London on Monday after an emotional video outlining the story of her son Henry's heartbreaking journey through infant leukaemia.

Callan was The Dorchester in London for a one-of-a-kind foodie fundraiser called Who's Cooking Dinner? in aid of Leukaemia UK. Hosted by award-winning food writer and TV personality, Gizzi Erskine, 200 guests including Callan were treated to mouth-watering four-course menus from some of the country's most innovative and accomplished chefs – before also enjoying entertainment from This Is Going To Hurt writer, Adam Kay. 

Alongside Callan, 33, celebrities including TV personality Juliet Sear, host of Table Manners podcast Lennie Ware, children's author Hannah Peckham and elite model Saffron Vadher enjoyed a champagne reception at the luxury landmark London hotel, before a random "chef prize draw" allocated each table its chef for the night. With a constellation of 20 Michelin stars between them, the chefs taking part included The Hand & Flowers' Tom Kerridge, Hakkasan's Andrew Yeo, The Fat Duck's Ed Cooke, and many more.

Following a champagne reception, Callan and fellow guests were welcomed to the event by chef and writer Gizzi Erskine, before Leukaemia UK Chief Executive Fiona Hazell took to the stage to remind diners of the importance of the night's cause. Each chef had donated their ingredients, materials and time free of charge, allowing 100% of the funds raised to directly support Leukaemia UK. 

As a reminder of the importance of their donations, Fiona introduced a moving video detailing Callan and her family's experience of leukaemia. In March 2020, Callan and her husband James Brett lost their son Henry to infant leukaemia; a devastating form of blood cancer which affects babies under 12 months old.

Two years after Henry's death, Callan is now determined to share Henry's story, hoping to raise awareness of infant leukaemia and highlight the urgent need for research. 

'He cannot have died for no reason,' said Callan. 'His death has to mean something. If I have to live the entire rest of my life without him, then there has to be progress in that time.

"We cannot stand by knowing that more research could spare another family from his type of heartbreak.' 

After Callan's video ended, all guests took to their feet for the first standing ovation in Who's Cooking Dinner?'s 25-year history.

Chefs at Who's Cooking Dinner 2023 (Picture: Leukaemia UK)

Later in the evening, award-winning writer, comedian and former doctor Adam Kay took to the stage for a hilarious ten-minute set, fresh from his bestselling Edinburgh Fringe show, Undoctored. 

Adam said: 'I love this event – amazing food in a totally unique environment, and best of all you're supporting an amazing charity. Leukaemia and other blood cancers devastate families, and Leukaemia UK are investing millions of pounds into life-saving research. This can only happen thanks to the generosity of people attending events like this.' 

Host Gizzi Erskine also spoke of feeling 'honoured' to be there. She said: 'This event is truly unique, and it's been an absolute pleasure to be involved. The chef's output has been extraordinary, with so many of this country's big guns coming back year after year in support, which is what makes this event one of the most exciting food events of the year. The food is out of this world – and knowing that every penny raised tonight will help Leukaemia UK to fund more life-saving research makes each mouthful even better.' 

In total, the event raised more than £235,000 from ticket sales, grand auction prizes, and raffle tickets sold on the night. This money will help support families like Callan's, as the charity funds vital research in its mission to stop leukaemia devastating lives.

Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive of Leukaemia UK, said: 'At Leukaemia UK, we know that research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives – and investing in research wouldn't be possible without the funds that we've raised tonight. We've been blown away by the generosity of everyone who has taken part in this year's Who's Cooking Dinner.

"The money raised will allow us to find and fund the life-changing research that matters most to people affected by leukaemia. To the chefs, Gizzi, Adam, and everyone who showed up tonight to support Leukaemia UK, we cannot thank you enough.' 

Reflecting on the event, Callan said: 'This has been an incredible night, and I'm so grateful to have been invited. Leukaemia UK have really listened to us over the years I've worked with them, and they're really striving towards better treatments for our children. That's what Who's Cooking Dinner? has been all about.'

Read more about the Brett family's story here...