A teenage schoolboy from Fife, who dreams of becoming a chef despite being badly burned in an exploding kettle accident, has been getting a helping hand from a professional.
Last year, Charles Rudalski, 13, was scalded on the face and shoulder when a camping kettle blew up during an outdoor cooking activity class at Lumphinnans Primary School.
Despite his accident, Charles, who now attends Beath High School, is still passionate about cooking and determined to pursue his dream.
Although he is physically scarred for life, Charles revealed how he has managed to overcome the psychological effect of what happened so he can now enjoy himself in the kitchen.
“I wouldn’t touch the pots in the kitchen because I was afraid after my accident they would be hot so I was asking my mum and dad to help me. Then one day I thought ‘I can’t be afraid forever’.
“I was watching people cook and I wanted to cook so I thought I’m going to do this because I’m more responsible so I won’t get burnt.
“So I would tap the pot handles at first to see how hot they were and then I started to be able to touch them.”
Having read about Charles’ story on social media, John Quinn, a professional chef from foodservice provider Bidfood Scotland, was moved to offer his services to help him achieve his goal.
As part of John’s plans to mentor Charles, the pair spent a day cooking together, with the teenager learning invaluable professional cooking skills.
John said: “I read about Charles’ accident on social media and was completely bowled over by his bravery and determination, not only in coping with his injuries but overcoming his fears as a result of the accident, to follow his dream of becoming a professional chef.
“His story really touched my heart and I plan to do whatever I can to help him make his dream a reality, as everyone deserves to live out their passion.”
Together they prepared, cooked and served a three-course meal from scratch to Charles’ friends, family and teachers from Beath High School as well as senior managers from Bidfood Scotland.
John now plans to take Charles on site visits to see a real kitchen in action when they go to the Dakota Hotel in Glasgow in the coming months.
