Brain injury charity users praise air fryer cookbook

An air fryer cookbook for people with a neurological condition or brain injury has been hailed as "inspirational" by users.

Headway Suffolk, a charity that cares for and supports those with brain conditions, is behind the book and worked with clients to produce recipes.

Chief executive Helen Fairweather said clients could easily follow recipes and look at step-by-step pictures of their recipes.

Mary Banthorpe, who has MS and epilepsy, said the cookbook would give her independence.

"It's inspirational," she said.

"I have a husband and one daughter and they do help me very well, but I do like to do my own thing sometimes.

"It's really nice to see something that I can physically do and that I can make."

Brendan Wren damaged his lower spine and brain in 2004 when he fell off a platform at work.

He said using an air fryer and the cook book would keep him safe.

"I have troubles with my memory so before the amendments that I've had on my [home], I would forget that I've left an oven on and subsequently gone to use the oven and burnt myself," he said.

"With everything contained in a singular unit, there's a lot less risk involved with people like me."

Headway Suffolk trainee manager Chelsea Caley worked on putting the book together.

She asked clients for their input before a recipes were collected and named after charity users and staff.

It includes a selection of mains, sides, pastries and desserts and is on sale for £10 with all proceeds going to the charity.

"It probably took a week for each recipe... it took about three months in total; we got there in the end," she said.

"It was really important that we took photos for each step because a lot of our clients with neurological and brain injuries can't obtain information."

All of the clients have tested and tasted the recipes.

Ms Caley said some had not remembered they were involved and were "overjoyed" when they saw the finished book.

Ms Fairweather explained in October 2023 the charity gained National Lottery funding and was able to buy all its clients an air fryer, offering them a "safe and economical" way to cook.

"Down the year there's been some fantastic recipes come out of our kitchen," she said.

"I thought we really needed to save those and put them in a book."

She described the volume as a "book with a difference" that would build self-esteem and confidence.

The charity is already working on a second edition and has others planned for the future.

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