Jean-Christophe and Michelle Novelli have become Lifelites patrons due to their lived experience with their son, Valentino, who has autism and is non-verbal.
Born in France, Jean-Christophe began his culinary career early in life, working in a bakery from 14, and becoming Head Chef to the Rothschild family in their private home by age 20.
In the early 1980s, Jean-Christophe moved to the UK and it wasn’t long before he branched out on his own and opened a mini empire of multi-award-winning restaurants internationally.
Mentoring budding home cooks is a cause close to Jean-Christophe’s heart, which is why he and Michelle launched their critically acclaimed, award-winning cookery school over 20 years ago. Located in their Hertfordshire estate, the Novelli Academy Cookery School has been named among the top 25 in the world, and continues to go from strength to strength.
When taking time away from overseeing the running of the cookery school, Michelle has a passion for Art, she studied at Sion Hill campus University and continues to paint portraits and illustration work.
Jean-Christophe and his son, Valentino, visited Keech Hospice in October 2024 to discover our amazing technology.
Picture courtesy of The Mirror and Phil Harris
Patron
Sarah is an internationally renowned artist who uses assistive Eyegaze technology to create vivid, life-affirming artwork following a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (often referred to as motor neuron disease).
Patron
Rick, world-renowned for his keyboard prowess as a member of Yes and as a solo artist, has a remarkable career spanning over five decades, releasing more than 90 solo albums across various genres.