This month, we’d like to take the time to remember and celebrate a dear friend and former colleague who sadly passed away in May at the age of 27.
Luke Henderson was an extraordinarily talented chef and a rising star on the food scene. After number of years working for Tom Kerridge at his Marlow restaurant, the Hand & Flowers, we had the pleasure of working briefly with Luke here at the White Hart before he left to embark on a new adventure cooking at Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway.
Already an old friend of our Head Chef, Kate Bradley, Luke brought a vibrant energy and a positive attitude to everything he did. He lifted everyone around him, and made firm friends wherever he went; we are so privileged to have had the opportunity to know him.
Tributes poured in at his funeral in Telford in June, which was attended by his former mentor, Tom Kerridge, and all the chefs wore classic ‘Chef’s Whites’ as a mark of respect to Luke.
Luke had struggled with mental health issues for some time, and very sadly, he had tragically taken his own life. We were devastated to hear the news, as were all who had the pleasure of working with him.
His family launched a Go Fund Me page to raise the funds to repatriate Luke’s body and bring him back home from Norway, and have since exceeded the funds they’d hoped to raise – a testament to how loved Luke was.
They are now hoping to use the remaining funds and continue their fundraising efforts to launch The Shining Star Foundation, which will provide support to the many young chefs across the country who are experiencing mental health challenges.
Kate and the team here have added Luke’s signature Custard Tarts to the White Hart’s menu, and all the proceeds from every tart we sell will go directly to The Shining Star campaign. So next time you visit us, don’t forget to order one or alternatively, please donate directly to the campaign here.
