10th June 2025
Birmingham-born chef and entrepreneur Aktar Islam has become the latest high-profile figure to join Acorns Children’s Hospice as one of its esteemed patrons.
A multiple award-winning chef, restauranteur and founder of the two-Michelin-starred Opheem, Aktar is uniting with the charity to support its work in providing vital care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions across the West Midlands.
The winner of Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word and founder of Aktar at Home said: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Acorns family as a patron of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
“It’s a truly fantastic cause and I feel honoured to support the vital work they do for children and families facing the most challenging circumstances.”
His appointment marks a significant moment for the West Midlands charity, as Acorns continue to expand its community of prominent supporters to help raise awareness and crucial funds.
A proud father and lifelong Brummie, Aktar brings not only his culinary prestige to the role, but also his passion for championing children’s causes and community initiatives – he is especially recognised for his support of young people.
Aktar’s relationship with Acorns began in 2024, when he lent his voice to the charity’s Children’s Care Matters campaign, which called on the government to renew critical funding for children’s hospices. Here, Aktar joined an event in Birmingham city centre gathering petition signatures and shared a heartfelt video appeal encouraging public support.
Earlier this year, Aktar demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the charity by donating a bespoke culinary experience to Acorns This Town Gala Dinner auction – a luxurious package featuring premium selections from his trusted suppliers, which helped raise crucial funds for the charity.
Deb Chandos-Hall, Head of Philanthrophy and Partnerships at Acorns, said: “We’re delighted to officially welcome Aktar as our newest patron, joining a distinguished group of supporters including award-winning director Steven Knight and Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands Ninder Johal. His influence, both here in the West Midlands and nationally, is phenomenal – but it’s his values that truly align with our mission.
“His pioneering spirit mirrors our innovative approach to children’s palliative care. Aktar’s personal philosophy that ‘you can’t change the world, but you can change a bit of it’ reflects the heart of what we do at Acorns – that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
“As a dad himself, his commitment to supporting children and families is deeply meaningful. We know he’ll be an inspiring and powerful advocate for our work.”
Aktar’s journey from winning The F Word with Gordon Ramsay in 2009 to achieving his second Michelin star at Opheem in 2024 has made him one of the most celebrated chefs in the UK. Today, Opheem stands among only four Indian restaurants worldwide – and the only one outside London – to hold two Michelin stars.
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Donate to Acorns today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/donate