The BHA would like to draw to members' attention a very worthwhile cause, the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF).

Founded by chef David Nicholls after his son, Daniel, was left paralysed from the arms down in a swimming accident in 2003, the foundation aims to raise funds for projects that expand spinal injury research and development, encourage stem-cell research and surgery and promote post-cure rehabilitation for spinal injury patients.

David explains: "The target is to raise £1.5m in two years. We've got the world leader in spinal repair here, Professor Geoffrey Raisman, and he's very optimistic that he'll get paralysis beaten in the near future."

Determined to help his son and others living with spinal injury, David has compiled a fundraising cookery book.

Forty-eight of the world's top chefs and food writers contributed recipes and interviews to create Off Duty: The World's Greatest Chefs Cook at Home the proceeds of which helped to set up the foundation and work towards finding a cure for spinal injury.

To find out more about the charity, buy a copy of the book or donate online please visit the website at: nichollsfoundation.org.uk