Chef Matt Davies charity fund raiser profile

Chef Matt Davies has been a trail blazer for Midlands Chefs for most of his professional life, championing the region on the nations’ culinary platform via his support for the hospitality industry and its bodies. After suffering a life changing accident, the much-loved Michelin-listed chef has turned his attention to bringing through talented young cooks.

A Culinary Legacy: From working in Michelin Chefs to raising over £100,000 for industry charities. Chef Profile Matt Davies

Humble beginnings: Matt Davies began his culinary journey at just 15, apprenticing at Michelin-starred Simpson’s under Andreas Antona. Over decades, he advanced to run six acclaimed restaurants across Staffordshire, earning a reputation as the “godfather” of the region’s dining scene. A multi-award‑winning chef and Vice President of the British Culinary Federation, Matt frequently collaborated with industry luminaries and nurtured emerging talent.

The Incident That Changed Everything

In 2017, while preparing for lunch in his 5 star hotel in Staffordshire, Matt was electrocuted by a 32‑amp current. His arm was “blown to pieces,” leaving him critically injured . He endured over 70 surgeries, massive blood loss, and eventually had his left arm amputated at the elbow in April 2024. Matt also battles complex regional pain syndrome and PTSD. As a lifelong ‘lefty’, (losing his dominant left arm) he described the chronic pain as “horrendous” and something he still grapples with daily .

Treated extensively at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by Colonel Mark Foster and the dedicated team on Ward 408, Matt expresses heartfelt appreciation for their care, calling them “like family” .
Mission for giving back: Unable to continue in kitchens, Matt redirected his passion into fundraising—hosting a series of high-profile charity dinners and lunches.

Charitable Impact, a brief summary of recent charitable events & fund raising:

Fisher House & QEHB Charity: From 2023–2024, Matt organised Michelin-star chef-driven events, raising nearly £15K in “Great Brummie Menu” dinners and other lunches for military families staying near QE Hospital .
Celebratory dinners: Collaborative 2024 lunches at Fisher House featured chefs like Luke Tipping and Tom Shepherd, with funds supporting military patients .
Broader outreach: His charity initiatives have attracted top culinary names and included regional events, raising £8K in 2019 to support QEHB, Mind, Hospitality Action, and University Hospitals North Midlands .
Emotional milestones: In late 2024, Matt personally delivered festive hampers to his QEHB nurses as a sign of enduring gratitude.
Overall impact to date: Through his tireless efforts, Matt has raised over £100,000 for QEHB and Hospitality Action, while continuing to organise fundraising events into 2025/26 despite on-going evasive surgeries and painful treatments.

Enduring Legacy & Message Faced with profound loss, Matt chose action over despair: “Times can get dark but you can ask for help. You’ve got two choices—you either give up or you push on.” said Matt. Chefs, patients, and the public have praised Matt’s resilience, compassion, and ability to transform personal tragedy into communal support. As a Vice President of the British Culinary Federation, a Hospitality Action ambassador, and a Burnt Chef Project nominee, Matt champions mental health and well‑being in hospitality.

Looking Ahead Despite ongoing medical challenges and reconstruction surgeries, Matt remains dedicated to his mission, closely supported by his loving and dedicated family, and wife Tina —continuing to host charity events and rally support for healthcare and hospitality workers. Chef Matt Davies exemplifies unwavering courage—a chef who, even when stripped of his craft, found new ways to feed hope, resilience, and community.