One cook at Oxfordshire’s Sobell House Hospice is having the most profound impact.
In addition to preparing meals, Spencer Richards helps patients in their last days by bringing them joy, comfort, and even magic.
The most typical request
An regular chef in England achieved notoriety at the beginning of 2025 for a very unusual mission. His name is Spencer Richards, and he frequently makes the last supper for Sobell House Hospice residents, assisting those nearing the end of their lives.
Serving someone their last meal is, in my opinion as a chef, the greatest honor possible, Spencer told The Mirror.
Spencer goes above and beyond to personalize every dish, from a 21-year-old who turned down every item on the menu to a 93-year-old who had never eaten a birthday cake.
A young patient recently expressed distaste for everything on the regular menu. We made that happen since he mentioned that he enjoyed street food, he said.
Additionally, the 93-year-old broke down in tears as they gave her her very first birthday cake. She was completely ecstatic.
According to Spencer, the most frequent request from patients is for birthday cakes. “They are little things, but they mean a lot, especially to those who have experienced loneliness or isolation.”
It’s as crucial to modify meals to patients’ requirements as it is to change the flavors. Age, medications, and therapies like chemotherapy can all have an impact on swallowing and taste buds.
Whether it’s a thick crème brûlée or a soft jelly or ice cream, Spencer makes sure every dish suits each person.
He has also seen trends, saying that many cancer patients have a sweet appetite and are salt-sensitive. Nevertheless, Spencer strives to make every meal feel unique despite the limitations.
Food may evoke early memories and generate new, enduring ones, making it a potently affective medium. We do that here,” he remarked. It’s actions like those that keep him going, and families frequently come back months later to express their gratitude for making their loved ones’ last days more enjoyable.
Cooking for the terminally ill is more than just a profession for Spencer Richards; it’s a calling. And one memory-filled dinner at a time, Sobell House is assisting folks in savoring each priceless taste.
