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From the heat of the kitchen to the heights of Africa’s tallest mountain, Joe Bentley, Head Chef at Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield, is taking on the challenge of a lifetime. From 19th to 29th September 2025, Joe will trade his culinary tools for hiking gear as he embarks on a gruelling 7-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro—all in the name of mental health awareness.

With a fundraising target of £7,000, Joe is supporting The Burnt Chef Project, a charity dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in the hospitality industry. Having spent years in high-pressure kitchens, Joe understands the toll the industry can take on mental well-being and is determined to make a difference.

“Hospitality is a fast-paced, high-intensity world, and mental health often takes a backseat,” Joe explains. “I want to show that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our guests. Climbing Kilimanjaro is my way of pushing myself while raising awareness and vital funds for those who need support.”

Preparing for this extraordinary challenge hasn’t just been about climbing mountains—though he’s certainly been doing plenty of that. Training on Yorkshire’s peaks, including Great Shunner Fell, and gearing up for the National Three Peaks Challenge, Joe has also made significant lifestyle changes. He’s quit smoking and overhauled his diet, recognising that as a chef, he needs to give himself the same level of care he puts into every dish he creates.

Joe will be documenting his training and trek on Instagram @kiliman_joe_goes, sharing the highs and lows of his journey.

Cedar Court Hotels is fully behind Joe’s mission, contributing £2,000 as a company and encouraging individual donations from colleagues and supporters. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed—Joe currently leads the leaderboard for Burnt Chef fundraising, a true testament to his passion and the support he inspires from those around him.

Join us in backing Joe on this incredible adventure! To donate and follow his progress, visit https://cedarcourthotels.co.uk/burntchef/.