John King’s story and the inspiration behind the John King Brain Tumour Foundation
By Laura King, Chair of Trustees
To many people, John King was one of the hospitality industry’s most respected chefs. To me, he was my beloved husband, my best friend and a man whose kindness, passion and generosity touched countless lives.
John dedicated more than 40 years to the culinary world, building an international reputation through his work at some of the most prestigious establishments including The Dorchester, The Connaught, The Ritz Club, Le Caprice, Les Ambassadeurs, Crockfords and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manila.
Described by The Caterer magazine as “one of the hospitality industry’s most highly respected chefs”, John achieved many accolades throughout his career, including winning the Gold Medal for Best Regional Team in the World for The Ritz Club at the 1988 Culinary Olympics. He was also a proud member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
But beyond the awards and achievements, what made John truly special was his passion for people.
A Chef Who Loved to Inspire Others
John believed in sharing his knowledge and encouraging the next generation of chefs. Alongside his professional career, he became a part-time lecturer at Westminster College, where his own journey had begun.
He loved teaching and mentoring young chefs, and many of his former students remained close to him throughout his life.
Gary Hunter, Vice Principal for Hospitality and Adult Learning at Westminster College, described John as:
“A remarkable chef and one of life’s true gentlemen. He was everything a professional chef should aspire to be.”
John’s Diagnosis
In 2015, our lives changed forever when John was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, John faced his illness with the same courage, dignity and determination that had defined his life.
Sadly, after an incredibly brave fight, John passed away on 22 November 2016.
The loss was heartbreaking, but John’s kindness, generosity and desire to help others continued to inspire everyone who knew him.
A Garden That Sparked A Legacy
During John’s treatment at the Atkinson Morley Wing at St George’s Hospital, we discovered the neurological patients’ roof garden beside McKissock Ward.
The garden was a peaceful green space designed to support patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. However, it was in need of restoration and ongoing care.
With the support of friends, volunteers, RHS Gold Medal-winning garden designer Tony Woods and Garden Club London Ltd, John and I helped bring the garden back to life.
Seeing the difference this space made inspired us to do more.
Creating The John King Brain Tumour Foundation
The John King Brain Tumour Foundation was created to continue John’s legacy and support the incredible work taking place at the Atkinson Morley Wing at St George’s Hospital.
The Foundation was officially registered as a charity on 18 March 2017, with the aim of improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours through funding vital equipment, supporting research and creating better environments for patients and families.
Our first major fundraising project was to raise £150,000 for a state-of-the-art neurological microscope, helping surgeons to operate with greater precision and potentially improve outcomes for patients.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, fundraising events and our community, the Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference.
John’s Legacy Lives On
Although John is no longer with us, his values continue to guide everything we do.
His love of helping others, his passion for education and his belief in making a difference live on through the Foundation.
Every piece of equipment funded, every improvement made to patient spaces and every project supported helps create a lasting legacy for John — one built on compassion, hope and the belief that together we can improve the lives of people affected by brain tumours.
Alongside John’s four beautiful children, this Foundation is his lasting legacy.