'I know what it’s like': Cork chef helps those fleeing domestic abuse 

The lasting childhood memory of his own mother fleeing domestic abuse has prompted chef Bryan Clarke to make sure that every child who is fleeing domestic violence in Cork wakes up to presents and Christmas dinner on December 25

Chef at the Briar Rose Bar in Douglas Bryan Clarke, who, together with his colleagues, collected toys to give to children in Edel House and vulnerable families in B&Bs and hostels this Christmas. Picture Dan Linehan

Waking up in a women’s refuge age four on Christmas morning, confused as to why his daddy wasn’t there is, a lasting memory for Bryan Clarke.

That experience motivated Mr Clarke, now head chef with the Briar Rose Bar and Grill in Douglas, Cork, to make sure that every child who is fleeing domestic violence in Cork wakes up to presents and Christmas dinner on December 25.