An inspirational chef has cooked for his Everton heroes at the Club’s USM Finch Farm training ground for a special feature on his passion for food broadcast on BBC’s The One Show.
Before lockdown, Season Ticket Member Thomas Williams, who is blind, was given the chance to spend the afternoon with Everton Executive Performance Team Head Chef Tom Kenton and cook chicken and chorizo paella for the players and his Toffees idol, Duncan Ferguson.
Thomas has Bardet Biedl syndrome, a rare genetic condition that is said to affect one in 100,000 people.
WATCH THOMAS COOK FOR IDOL DUNCAN FERGUSON
Thomas lost his sight in his teens but despite this, he is able to cut, prepare and cook recipes confidently. Thomas studied cookery at Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate and has his own YouTube channel where he posts regular cooking tutorials.
Thomas was greeted at USM Finch Farm by Club captain Seamus Coleman, before making his way to the training ground’s kitchen, where he was presented with his own set of Everton chef's whites – embossed with his initials – and an Everton apron.
After some assistance from Kenton with regards to the layout of the kitchen, Thomas began his prep, showing The One Show presenter Jennie Browne how he uses a range of devices such as a PenFriend – a voice labelling system which scans ingredients and plays back descriptive recordings – levellers in jugs and talking scales.
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Thomas was asked to prepare four meals – but little did he know that one of them would be for Blues assistant boss Ferguson, who was waiting for him at the table.
“I had a great day at USM Finch Farm, and I was really happy and surprised to meet Seamus and Duncan,” said a delighted Thomas. “I recognised Duncan’s voice straightaway – he didn’t even have to say his name! I was really happy that he liked my food, and he said the paella was one of the best he has tasted.
“Head Chef Tom was really helpful, showing me the hob and the workstation, and helping me set up so that I could show people what I can do in the kitchen.
“Chicken and chorizo paella is one of my favourites, which I’ve cooked on my YouTube channel. During lockdown I’ve been making sure that I keep on with my channel and have been doing between one or two videos a week. Lockdown has made it a challenge to find places that are taking on staff, but I am not giving up as it is what I want to do.
“Cooking at Everton was amazing, and I’ve still got my apron which Duncan signed and which I wear when I am cooking.”
Thomas’s sister Vicky Williams added: “We can’t thank Everton and The One Show enough for giving Thomas the opportunity to showcase his skills and his love of cooking.
“Being able to cook at the Club that he loves, and meeting Seamus and Duncan, really lifted his confidence, and it is still having a positive effect on Thomas now.
“Of course, lockdown has had its impact on him, but Thomas is still very determined to achieve his dreams, and he wants to keep showing people what he can do.”
Watch Thomas’ day at USM Finch Farm above or by clicking here.
