Meet the team… Howard Maddocks

What is your background?

I kind of fell into cheffing 28 years ago when I travelled to South Africa and Eastern Europe. I’ve worked in Spain, the Channel Islands as chef de partie in a five-star restaurant and in Cornwall at the Carbis Bay Hotel – the venue for the recent G7 summit. Prior to joining Francis House in February this year, I worked at Wythenshawe Hospital as a specialist diet chef, and eight years at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

What does your role involve?

Cooking homemade meals, sauces, and special diets for the children. Using fresh, colourful ingredients, keeping the families and staff healthy and happy and working within the guidelines of delivering healthy food.

What is the best thing about your job?

The smiles and compliments on your food. When I do brunch on a Saturday and a roast on a Sunday the kids are so excited to eat the food. They wolf it down and that makes me happy. From the kitchen I love seeing the reactions of the kids and staff.

What’s your secret talent?

I’m good at making animal noises like farm animals and mimicking cartoon characters! My son has cri-du-chat syndrome and complex additional needs, and when I make these sounds it really makes him laugh.