For over a decade, Steve and Val Askew of Topor Restaurant in Plimmerton have quietly nourished one of the region’s most vulnerable communities: families with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Their initiative began in 2014 after they saw a local mother express frustration online. Discharged from the hospital, she was still required to stay on-site with her baby, but meals were not provided. Recognising a need they could meet, the Askews reached out to the hospital with an offer: home-cooked meals for NICU families.
“We always say there’s never enough money, but there’s always a bit of extra food, especially being a restaurant,” said the Askews.
What started as a small gesture has grown into a sustained effort. Over the years, they’ve delivered more than 7,000 meals, along with baked goods, fruit, bread, and other treats for parents’ afternoon tea. The meals are simple and nourishing, typically chicken breast, potatoes or rice, pasta, and vegetables, designed to be gentle for breastfeeding mothers and suitable for young siblings.
Val prepares the food, while Steve handles the packaging. For several years, local volunteer Lesley Thompson delivered the meals. Others in the community have quietly pitched in too, contributing baked goods, delivery help, containers, and even meat. While the couple doesn’t solicit cash donations, they’ve occasionally received anonymous contributions, something they acknowledge by sharing meal photos online.
“When they need meals, they just text us. No stress,” said the Askews. “It’s always lovely to catch up with Tasia and the team at the hospital.”
The NICU staff have consistently shown appreciation for the support, which the Askews say is its own reward.
Steve and Val have owned and operated Topor for nearly 13 years, offering Polish and Eastern European cuisine alongside a selection of craft vodkas. Steve manages the front of house, while Val leads the kitchen.
Their quiet generosity has become a lifeline for many NICU families, proof that a warm meal can mean much more than food on a plate.