Ben Nevis Charity Walk in Support of Kevin Clark (MND)

Sandy Thomassen said, that one of the greatest chefs he’s worked with once told him, “I didn’t really know how to make an omelette until I had worked at The Savoy.” That chef is Kevin Clark—a man whose career, character, and quiet brilliance have left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

And that’s where this egg-themed MND charity walk begins.

On July 11th, a Team of colleagues and friends led by Sandy Thomassen are climbing Ben Nevis. Frying pan, eggs and stove at the ready to cook an omelette at the summit, in tribute to Kevin. Most important is why we’re doing it. Kevin has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and needs our support to help him, and his wife Alison. With your help we can raise money for the MND charity and for Kevin.

This is our way of honouring and giving back to someone who’s given so much to others in the hospitality industry.

Kevin started as a kitchen porter back in 1980 at the age of 17 and by 19, Kevin had his first opportunity on the pans as a Commis Chef at the Kippin House Hotel in Stirling and later joined Callearn House Hotel. Having worked hard Kevin joined the chef team as a Sous Chef under the watch full eye of Roy Smith at The Woodside Hotel, Aberdour. It was through Roy years later, that Sandy and Kevin’s paths first crossed with the three of them bonding over a few games of golf, reminiscing over their shared past cooking experiences, which they used as a good excuse for their poor standard of golf.

After several years at The Woodside Hotel Kevin made the move to the South and joined the team at The Savoy Hotel London. Kevin always said he developed his skills and experience during his time at The Savoy. Including that skill of making the perfect omelette!

Future career moves saw Kevin work at the Old Course Hotel, Gleneagles Hotel, Foxhills, Luton Hoo and L’Horizon hotel in the Channel Islands.

Kevin gave up his time to support young developing chefs and became a judge at International Salon Culinaire competitions always giving back to industry he loved.

It was during his time whilst working in Jersey, Kevin met his wonderful wife to be Alison. Alison was the head housekeeper at L’Horizon and clearly made an impression with Kevin. Kevin took the opportunity to invite Alison to his favourite restaurant on the island, “The Whistlers” where their romance quickly blossomed, and he proposed 3 weeks later. Kevin and Alison have now been together for 34 years.

After such a varied and worthy career Kevin decided to have a change and step out of the kitchen. Which is when he joined RATIONAL UK as regional sales manager joining up to work with his old friend Sandy. Kevin showed the tenacity that made everything in his career successful quickly adapting to the sales manager’s role forging lasting relationships with customers, dealers and the RATIONAL team. Kevin was the role model employee and was always available to support his colleagues.

When the opportunity to take on a new challenge appeared Kevin joined Atosa UK as the National Corporate Chef, supporting with not only his loveable personality but also his culinary prowess.

Sadly in December 2024, Kevin started to notice something wasn’t right with his walking and the control of his leg and sought medical help. January and February passed and then the diagnosis finally came and it was not what anyone ever expected or wanted to hear. It was Motor Neurone Disease (MND) a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and, eventually, the inability to move or speak. Yes we have all seen this with the sad journey that Rob Burrows endured.

Now we get to the serious part where we need your support. Like many chefs who worked with Kevin, they knew the big chats don’t happen in the office but in the walk in fridge. And metaphorically that’s where we are. Sandy promised after his first successful attempt, never to climb Ben Nevis again!

But now and to support Kevin and the MND charity, Sandy must renege on that promise and go again, (even with his new hip replacement) and so on 11th July he will again summit the UK’s biggest Mountain. Frying pan at the ready to make the humble of all beginnings a mountain omelette.

To support with this challenge, colleagues and friends are invited to join for the climb, 2 of Kevin’s ex-colleagues Graham Kille from Rational and Tom Bentham now with Unox, will be joining the assent team and supporting Sandy with the arrangements. As Tom stated, “Even with a new hip and old knees Sandy’s going to feel the pain!” to which Sandy replied, “The pain will pass and I’ll recover, Kevin has a different battle against time.”

We’re asking for your support to help us raise money for the MND charity, Kevin and Alison during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference.

Our goal is to raise £10,000, and with your generosity, we can reach it and more. Any funds raised will go directly to helping Kevin live with MND.

Please donate today and be a part of this meaningful challenge.

The hospitality and catering industry are one big family and together this is our opportunity to give back to someone who has given so much to others.