Emmie’s Kitchen proudly marks its fifth anniversary of providing vital support to families of children receiving treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH). As the charity approaches its sixth year in December, this milestone reflects five years of dedicated service and growth—now further recognised with a major accolade.
Earlier this week, Emmie Narayn-Nicholas, the inspiration behind Emmie’s Kitchen, was named Young Person of the Year at the I Love Manchester Awards 2025 for her incredible work and impact. Emmie’s Kitchen was also a finalist in the Most Loved Charity category, highlighting the charity’s growing reputation and community support.
Born from lived experience, Emmie’s Kitchen was created after Eve Naraynsingh’s daughter, Emmie, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of eight. What began as a single home-cooked meal for families once a month at Ronald McDonald House has evolved into a vital service delivering on average 130 hot meals three to four weeks each month, plus 80 snack bags and a monthly well-being session.
This service costs around £2,500 per month, funded entirely through donations and the efforts of a small team of volunteers. The charity is currently preparing 250 Christmas gift bags for parents, each including a book, pyjamas, toiletries, and a chocolate treat—ensuring families feel cared for during the festive season.
Over the past five years, Emmie’s Kitchen has:
- Served more than 30,000 meals to families.
- Distributed 250 Christmas care packages annually.
- Introduced monthly well-being sessions at Ronald McDonald House, offering holistic therapies, tea, cake, and a safe space for parents to recharge.
Eve Naraynsingh, Founder of Emmie’s Kitchen and mother to Emmie, said:
“Reaching this milestone is humbling. Our ethos has always been to nurture parents—because when you’re making life-changing decisions for your child, you need to be at your best. We’re deeply grateful to RMCH and MFT for their unwavering support, and to the many families who have trusted us to walk alongside them.”
Julia Birchall-Searle, Director of Nursing at RMCH, added:
“Emmie’s Kitchen has been an invaluable partner in supporting our families. Their commitment to providing meals and emotional support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of parents and carers at RMCH. We are incredibly grateful for their continued efforts and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
The charity works closely with RMCH’s Family Support Team and partners including L’Oréal, Read Manchester, City in the Community, and FareShare, ensuring families have access to essential snacks, toiletries, books, and even pyjamas—so no parent feels forgotten during their hospital stay.
Hospital stays can cost families up to £30 per day, with some lasting months or even years. For many, Emmie’s Kitchen is a lifeline. One parent shared:
“That Friday night meal was the first time we sat down to eat after our daughter’s diagnosis. It made us feel human again.”
As Emmie’s Kitchen celebrates this milestone and recent award success, the charity is looking ahead with plans to expand its reach and offer even more support to families in need.