Inspirational Mark!

Well! What a night for Mark McKirdy, his family and everyone involved with making his dream come true.

If you follow our blogs you will know that Mark has been on a 15 month journey with us which started when Stevie Kidd met him by chance in our offices one Saturday morning. Mark asked if he could do work experience making teas and coffees and Stevie was appalled by the fact that Mark felt that he was only good for making tea and coffee.

He did indeed complete a work experience programme and last night shows how far he has come in the time we have known him. In partnership with Erskine Bridge Hotel, we arranged for Mark to have one of his dreams come true.

Earlier this month Stevie was asked to be a judge on the MasterChef task of the 2011 Recruit programme and knowing that Mark has a passion for food and for cooking he arranged for Mark to also judge the task. The team at Erskine Bridge Hotel were so impressed with Mark that when we asked if he could come back and do some work experience in the kitchen they instantly agreed!

As with most things within KDS the idea began to develop! The plan soon became that Mark would design the menu, cook the meal with the Head Chef and the team at Erskine Bridge Hotel and that his guests would be his family, Dad Paul, Mum Alison and sisters Emma, Lisa and Nikki. Mark loved the idea and asked if 2 of the Recruits, Emily and Scott, would be his waiting staff!

As the night drew closer everyone was excited to see Mark realise his dream.

Mark arrived at the hotel at 5pm and began the preparation work supported by Head Chef, Dave Jamieson and the rest of the kitchen brigade! The menu was:

• Tomato and Basil Soup
• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Chocolate Fondant

At 6pm the first course was served. The food went down a storm with Marks sister Emma (who doesn’t like meatballs) saying that she would only ever eat meatballs again if they were cooked the way Mark made them! All of the plates had 3 meatballs except for one which had 4, Mark was quick to point out that that one was for his Dad!

As dessert was served Mark entered the dining room to an impromptu round of applause from everyone including all of the other diners! It was a very emotional moment!

At the end of the night Mark was presented with his chef’s hat which had been signed by all of the hotel chefs – an amazing anchor for Mark.

Karen McNulty, HR Manager at Erskine BridgeHotel said “We are delighted to have been part of this amazing experience. Mark is a true inspiration to us all and the team at Erskine Bridge Hotel all hope to be able to help him progress on his wonderful journey. Mark is a great chef!”

Marks Dad, Paul McKirdy said: “The whole family had a brilliant time – thank you to Stevie Kidd and everyone else involved for making it happen. We are all so proud of Mark, he has achieved so much. Mark is not only my son, he is my best friend and I love the way he is taking this journey in his stride. So so proud to call him my son”

Dave Jamieson, Head Chef said: " I had a great time working with Mark last night, he's truly inspirational, thanks to everyone involved and a big thanks to my kitchen brigade, you did me proud!!"

Film footage to follow so keep posted!

Posted by Lorraine Hart on 12 August 2011 in : KDS Training

6 Comments

Posted by Ross Devine on 12 August 2011

Well done Mark you were apsoloutly amazing last night. This is only the beginning for you and im sure you will achieve lots more in time to come. You have made everyone proud and im sure yourself proud. Again well done Mark very proud of you!!.

Posted by Sarahjane Sarkhosh on 12 August 2011

I have loved following Mark''s journey and see him continue to achieve more that what he thought he would ever manage! He has done so much since first working with Stevie and the confidence he has gained from this experience will benefit him all throughout his life.

Posted by Roger on 12 August 2011

WOW! This sounds both tasty AND amazing! Mark''s had a great impact on so many people as he keeps going beyond the limitations others would have set for him. Lesson for us all in there somewhere.

Posted by Lynsey Mackay on 12 August 2011

Last night was a fantastic night, we are all so proud of you Mark! What an amazing moment for you as the entire restaurant cheered - you''re a star and I''m glad you had such a great experience.

Posted by Steven Hunter on 12 August 2011

What a wonderful blog. This is telling a story of what you can achieve if you have an winning attitude like Mark McKirdy. He''s a wonderful individual with a wonderful family and it''s an absolute pleasure to have worked with Mark. Well done to all involved and thank you for the wonderful support. Stevie Hunter Training Manager

Posted by Joe Wilson on 12 August 2011

I keep seeing the word inspirational when I catch up on Mark''s story via the blogs and the videos. It seems that everyone who comes into contact with this young man is completely taken with him. He continues to be an example of what can be achieved when self-limiting beliefs or assumptions about ability are ignored. Lots to be learned from your approach and your achievements so far Mark and thanks for letting us all share in it too, it''s been more than a bit special.

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