Master Geoff’s charity cook-up

Geoff Hayhow in the kitchen. (Damjan Janevski). 254075_05

Hoppers Crossing man Geoff Hayhow will cook up a series of delicious meals next month to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Mr Hayhow is participating in the annual 3 Course Challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer Trials, a group of doctors and researchers based in Australia and New Zealand committed to finding better treatments for people affected by breast cancer through clinical trials research.

The 3 Course Challenge invites participants to host a three-course dinner – either in person or online – with their friends and family before November 30, in return for donations.

Mr Hayhow has so far raised more than $660 for the challenge, surpassing his overall goal of $500.

The cooking enthusiast said he hoped to be able to host an in-person dinner party before the end of November.

He also participated in the 3 Course Challenge last year, with guests joining him and wife Rhonda for an online dinner party via Zoom, due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing home visits.

Mr Hayhow said while there were many worthy causes, he wanted to participate in the 3 Course Challenge because cancer has touched both his and Rhonda’s families.

His uncle had breast cancer, while two of Rhonda’s aunts have as well.

Rhonda’s mother also passed away at the age of 49, after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Hayhow said that aside from raising funds for Breast Cancer Trials, he wanted to encourage other people to join in the challenge for the fun of learning to cook.

“I’m a really keen cook, I have been cooking all my life,” he said.

“I like to work out the ways I can cook different cuisines at home.”

He also runs a Facebook cooking page and YouTube channel under the name of “Master Geoff”.

“The thing I’d like to do is teach people to cook, who think they can’t cook,” Mr Hayhow said.

“I think it is really easy to cook a good meal, I’m not talking about MasterChef where things are exploding and that sort of thing but simple, good food.”

D etails, see www.3coursechallenge.com.au or www.facebook.com/homecookingmastergeoff

To donate to Mr Hayhow’s fundraising efforts, visit bit.ly/3ppiQ73

Alesha Capone