Mr T wants to feed the world ... but he's happy to start with his new friends in Lanarkshire who helped him through grief of losing his beloved mum
| Published date | 01 March 2023 |
| Publication title | Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser |
Tuoyo literally danced his way into the world of elderly, vulnerable and isolated people in the region, and began cooking his outstanding food at their lunch club, injecting warmth not only into their hearts, but also their bellies.
Tuoyo is a man who wants to feed the world - a vision that so impressed former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that he felt compelled to call the largely self-taught chef at his home in Hillhouse, Hamilton, one evening in July 2020 to personally express his admiration.
Much of the PM's praise centred around Tuoyo's efforts and those of fellow volunteers to cook and deliver 5500 hot meals for vulnerable people in the community who were shielding during lockdown.
The valiant endeavour earned him a Points of Light award, handed down by the Prime Minister's office in recognition of outstanding individual volunteers who are bringing about real change in their community.
Since then, Africa-born Tuoyo has set out his stall to Scottish politicians Humza Yousaf and Douglas Ross, both of whom have given him more than the time of day.
Until the arrival of Tuoyo, affectionately known locally as Mr T, the lunch club hosted by a Lanarkshire volunteer group was a soulless place at which attendees would gather for a rare opportunity to enjoy the social interaction they craved.
Then meals served to them came from Lanarkshire's school dinner halls.
Invariably, the dessert would be delivered before the lukewarm soup, followed by the tardy arrival of a bland main course lacking in flavour and nutrition.
That didn't cut mustard with Mr T.
Following a chance meeting with manager of Larkhall & District Volunteer Group, Sandra McCrory, the chef pulled on the colourful apron lovingly stitched in the explosive colours of African fabric by his Kenya-born wife, to serve up traditional Scottish staples at the club.
Without taking his diners out of their comfort zone, talented Mr T made those same dishes come alive by lacing them with aromatic herbs and spices, enhancing not only their flavour but also their nutritional value.
As Sandra explains, even if the dish of the day is firm favourite mince 'n' tatties, it's "mince 'n' tatties, with an African twist". Mr T's exuberance, combined with his culinary flair and zest for life, injected new spirit into the gathering, which is now a lively hub, buzzing with chat and laughter.
From the ends of each table, volunteers who have become members' friends enthusiastically join in the banter...
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