Huddersfield celebrity chef Tim Bilton has become a patron of Weston Park Cancer Charity in Sheffield.  

Tim, who is living with stage four cancer, was first diagnosed with a rare type of melanoma in 2013 after his wife Adele spotted an unusual shadow in his eye. At the time, the ambitious chef was preparing to open his second restaurant and aiming for a Michelin star.  

“I was so proud when I opened my first restaurant and I’d regularly put in 17-hour days, determined to one day have a Michelin star,” said the 50-year-old chef from Kirkburton. “For a long time, it felt like nothing could stop me from achieving my dream.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is like being hit by a steam train. For me, it was a huge wake-up call. I realised that I could work all the hours in the world, but nothing was more important than spending time with my two young boys and my wonderful wife.” 

Tim has now been through multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy at Weston Park Cancer Centre.  

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the incredible staff at Weston Park Cancer Centre who have been with me through it all,” said Tim. “They’ve given me the most precious gift there is: more time with my amazing family and friends. 

“My cancer is now incurable, but I refuse to let it define me. I just focus on making life as normal as possible for my family and enjoying every moment I have with them.”

Tim Bilton

Tim added: “I was so humbled to be asked to be a patron of Weston Park Cancer Charity. Without Weston Park and the cancer charity I wouldn’t be here today.

“As patron, I’ll be focusing on raising awareness and raising as much as possible for research – so that we can find even better treatments for cancer patients.”

Emma Clarke, CEO of Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “Tim’s support of the charity has been nothing short of amazing and we’re delighted to announce him as our newest patron. We look forward to working closely with Tim as we strive to create a better life for everyone in our region who is affected by cancer.”

To donate to the festive campaign at Weston Park Cancer Charity go to westonpark.org.uk/christmas