Chef Matt Davies Returns to Thank Nurses After Life-Altering Electric Shock

An acclaimed chef, whose career concluded following a severe electric shock, has revisited the hospital to present holiday gifts to the nurses credited with saving his life. The incident, which occurred seven years prior, critically endangered Matt Davies’s life and necessitated the amputation of a portion of his left arm at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) in Birmingham. Despite enduring over 70 surgical procedures, persistent chronic pain, and PTSD, Mr. Davies has successfully accumulated more than £100,000 for various charitable organizations, among them the University Hospital Birmingham charity. Mr. Davies expressed that he felt “indebted” to the nurses on ward 408, stating they “saved my life.” Hailing from Marston, Staffordshire, Mr. Davies embarked on his culinary career at the age of 15, receiving training at the Michelin-starred Simpsons restaurant. He remarked, “It’s all I knew, but I enjoyed doing it, I loved my job, it was my passion.” Prior to the accident, he operated six restaurants across Staffordshire and was recognized as the “godfather” of the county’s culinary landscape. The 56-year-old stated, “I’ve had a lot of great chefs come through my ranks,” mentioning Tom Shepherd, proprietor of Upstairs, Staffordshire’s sole Michelin-starred establishment, as an example. Due to the incapacitation of his left arm, which was subsequently amputated, Mr. Davies was compelled to cease working in his beloved profession. However, he discovered a new purpose in fundraising, initially supporting two organizations significant to him: the University Hospital Birmingham charity and Hospitality Action. To accumulate these funds, he organizes dinners, which are supported by prominent chefs from the region who volunteer their time. Mr. Davies commented, “I’ve worked with a lot of these chefs in my younger days and you forge a friendship which within this industry you never forget.” Although the accident occurred in 2017, the amputation of a section of his left arm only took place earlier this year. He described the loss of his arm as the “worst feeling” he had ever encountered. The father of three also contends with complex regional pain syndrome, a rare condition that frequently causes him excruciating pain, leading to suicidal ideation. He uses high doses of morphine and occasionally ketamine for pain management. The surgeon who has provided his treatment for seven years has since developed a friendship with him. Col Mark Foster, a hand and plastic surgeon at the QE, characterized Mr. Davies as an “ambassador” for patients. Foster remarked, “He thrives to try and put something back in.” Mr. Davies’s total fundraising efforts recently surpassed £100,000, and he intends to continue, with a comprehensive schedule already planned for 2025. These upcoming events include a dinner featuring MasterChef The Professionals finalist Louisa Ellis in January. Additionally, in May, a “great Brummie menu” event will be staged, showcasing cooking by several Michelin-starred chefs, such as Glynn Purnell, Luke Tipping, and Jon Howe. However, Mr. Davies acknowledges the potential for health challenges in the coming year. Nevertheless, he stated, “You have two choices you either give up, or you push on.”