Masterchef finalist Anthony has been feeding his elderly neighbour for a month (Picture: Anthony O’Shaughnessy

You might recognise Anthony O’Shaughnessy and the delectable meals he prepares.

The 28-year-old was a semi-finalist on Masterchef in 2018. Now, he’s using his culinary skills for the greater good.

The chef, now based in Newcastle during the coronavirus lockdown, has been feeding his elderly neighbour Peter delicious meals every single day.

Anthony began preparing meals a month ago and has been doing it every day since.


Before he gets started, Anthony gives Peter a heads up to let him know what to expect.

When he called Peter to say he’d be making a broccoli parmesan farfalle and lime-frosted carrot cake the other day, Peter revealed the meals were all that he looks forward to every day.



The sweet moment was shared on Anthony’s Twitter page where fans were touched by his generoristy.

We caught up with Anthony, who tells us Peter is actually his late grandma’s neighbour.

Now staying with his mum at his grandmother’s property, Anthony, a teacher at a cookery school, decided to look after Peter as he had done with his grandma when she was alive.

Peter loves spicy food from around the world (Picture: Anthony O’Shaughnessy

‘I started sharing my meals with him when the lockdown was announced,’ Anthony tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I know he had some health complications so I was worried he would be vulnerable.

‘I started calling him to check on him, and he told me he was waiting for an online shopping delivery, but it had been cancelled twice.’

Anthony’s desserts are excellent too (Picture: Anthony O’Shaughnessy)

Peter is in his 70s and lives alone since his wife died.

He has lived in the property for more than 40 years and served in the navy.

Anthony added: ‘My grandmother once lived in this house, and Peter helped care for her when she was poorly, doing her shopping and looking after the garden.

‘I thought this was a way to return the favour. It’s what my grandmother would have wanted.’

Beautiful apple crumble cake (Picture: Anthony O’Shaughnessy)

Anthony maintains social distancing by leaving the dinner and dessert on a clean tray at Peter’s doorstep. He then rings the bell and waits for Peter to come out and checks up on him.

‘When he answers the door I ask him how he’s doing, and tell him what I’ve made,’ adds Anthony.

‘He has an excellent taste, he loves spices and hot food, and he hasn’t turned down anything I’ve made yet!

‘I tend to make dishes from different countries, and he used to eat like that when he served in the navy, so he has an eclectic taste too!’

What a beautiful gesture.

Do you have a story of kindness amid the coronavirus pandemic? Get in touch to tell us all about it by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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