Marlow's resident chef has been appointed ambassador of a charity funding research into a condition his father lived with before his untimely death.

Tom Kerridge, who owns three Michelin-starred restaurants in Marlow, has taken on a new title - that of MS Society Ambassador, a position that will help him to raise awareness of the condition his father lived with before his death 30 years ago.

Tom described the death of his father, who was diagnosed with MS when the chef was six years old and passed away when he was 18, as "heartbreaking", adding that bringing attention to the nuances of multiple sclerosis treatment was an "incredibly personal" cause for him.

"I've seen the devastating effect MS can have on a person. I saw what my dad went through and how his mind and body were affected, so if my support can make a bit of difference for families, I'm all in.

"Raising much-needed funds to keep the world-leading research going is important. But I also want to help raise awareness of MS. I think a lot of people have heard of it but may not know more than the name." 

The condition affects over 130,000 people in the UK, causing nerve damage and making it difficult for them to complete everyday tasks like walking, talking, eating and thinking. 

Although there are a range of methods for treating relapsing MS, research into the progressive form of the condition, when symptoms slowly develop over several years, is still ongoing.

It's not the first time Tom has worked with the MS Society - he hosted a virtual cook-along fundraiser during lockdown and presented the charity's BBC Lifeline Appeal in June 2022.

Speaking at the time, he shared how his father had gone from "using a walking stick to a wheelchair to then being bedridden" before the condition "hugely affected his ability to communicate", leaving him in need of constant care.

"You always have to hope - it's what drives progress. With a positive attitude, you can honestly achieve so much. I trust the MS community to continue with the amazing work they do. And, one day, I hope there will be a cure."

Nick Moberly, CEO of the MS Society, said the charity was grateful to have the TV chef's endorsement, adding: "Our vision is a future where no one has to worry about their MS getting worse. Tom's support will help us get even closer to making this a reality."