Aussie chefs unite for charity cruises for burns victim Matt Golinksi

SIX of Australia's best-known chefs will take part in two Europe river cruises to raise money for their mate Matt Golinski.

Chef Matt Golinski

HE can't begin to understand what his mate Matt Golinski is going through, but Manu Feildel knows he wants to do everything he can to help.

That's why he is teaming up with five of Australia's other top chefs for two charity fundraising cruises to raise money for the celebrity chef and other burns victims.

Feildel, Alastair McLeod and Janelle Bloom will donate their time for an Avalon Waterways river cruise through France next June, while George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Damian Heads will cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in August.

Feildel, who met Golinski eight years ago on the set of Ready, Steady, Cook, was devastated when Mr Golinksi suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body in the Boxing Day fire at his Sunshine Coast home, which also claimed the lives of his wife Rachael and daughters Starlia, 10, and 12-year-old twins, Willow and Sage.

"You always think that these things happen to others but when it happens to people who are very close you don't seem to want to believe it,'' he said.

"It's very tough for him in many ways.

"I know that he's doing better every day but he's got a long way to go.''

The charity cruises were the brainchild of travel agent Hilary Weir from Harvey World Travel Garden City in Brisbane, who was inspired by the successful Plates for Mates fundraising dinners conceived by the chefs.

That campaign raised more than $100,000 and there are hopes Cruise for Mates will raise another $50,000 to $100,000.

Mr Golinski left hospital in April and is undergoing extensive rehabilitation, but has been unable to return to work at the catering business, The Rolling Dolmade, which has been kept running by his two business partners.

The 19-day Grand France cruise begins with prices from $9,998 twin share, including return airfares from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

The 18-day Magnificent Europe cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest starts from $8,990 per person.

Ph 1800 373 267 or see www.cruiseformates.com.au

Cruise for mates: Savour flavours for worthy cause