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Christmas Meals Delivered To Your Door - New Isle Of Wight Initiative For Charity

An Isle of Wight chef is bringing meals directly to the doorstep of Islanders this Christmas - and it is all in aid of charity.

Paul Thorley, from Gurnard-based company Something Yummy, has created 'Yummy Boxes'. The idea is to cook and deliver meals, with profits from sales going to Wessex Cancer Trust.

As well as individuals and groups, the concept is also aimed at businesses who cannot have a Christmas party this year.

Instead, bosses are being encouraged to create a virtual one, with meal boxes used as an alternative to dining out.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Paul said the idea is already proving popular:

"We've had some great support. Wight Fire and Security have sponsored the event and they've ordered 46 meals for staff. They're doing a virtual Christmas party because they might not be allowed to get together [because of coronavirus rules].

"They're going to create something between themselves, probably on Zoom or Facetime and get together as best they can and make it a bit of fun. Lots of people, lots of companies have already donated to this. We have already sold over 150 boxes."

Earlier this year, Paul did a sky dive for Wessex Cancer Trust and became invested in the story of Isle of Wight cancer patients.

He said it inspired him to come up with a new idea:

"We looked at what else we could do to raise money and what I thought about was cooking. The initial plan was to hold a black tie event. It was going to be near Christmas but obviously I've had to cancel that [due to restrictions]."

A number of Isle of Wight businesses have thrown their support behind the scheme.

The Isle of Wight Meat Company is donating produce for the main course, Red Funnel has contributed towards cost of packaging and Betapak is providing boxes free of charge. 

Also backing the project is Nosy Marketing and car company EV Express, which has agreed to deliver the meals using its electric cars.  

The Yummy Box offers two different options - a standard meal or a vegan alternative. Those buying one will get a Starter, Main, and a Dessert – as well as home-baked bread and a yummy treat.

It costs £30 for a box, with profits going to Wessex Cancer Trust. 

You can order 'Something Yummy' via the website, here.

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