Cookery book on a mission to help Taliesin

Taliesin and Marilyn at home

So when she became a grandmother, she popped a cork and invited friends round to celebrate. But, a year later, when her little grandson was identified with cerebral palsy, Granny, along with the rest of the family, had to grow up and take his future seriously.

Taliesin Campbell from Wales was facing a life of non-mobility, pain and frequent hospitalisation. His only hope was a hospital in Missouri, which carries out operations to reverse all this, and the whole family mobilised to drum up the £40,000 needed to change his future for ever. Marilyn lives in Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence and decided to capitalise on her strengths: her circle of friends, and her cooking skills.

And so "Potluck Platters from Provence" was born, It is a compilation of recipes from her friends in the Anglo-American Group of Provence, who frequently enjoy ‘Potluck Lunches’ - where everyone is welcome as long as they each bring a platter of food.

As the Potluckers’ recipes came rolling in, Marilyn edited them into this bright, colourful book, which is self-published and now on sale, all profits going to Taliesin's op, scheduled for 14th June.

So far the book, and all the other fundraising activities have raised £33,000 in just a few months.

"Potluck Platters from Provence" costs 18 euros and can be ordered direct by email from marilynjcampbell@yahoo.com. For a sample recipe, look on the Gourmet Page of this edition. For more updates and background on Tal's story go to www.talsgoodfeet.org

JY