Anja Linke
Julio's page
Fundraising for World Central Kitchen Incorporated
Story
Julio loved many things and had a wide range of passions which he loved to share. (A favourite anecdote of his early internet days is Julio sharing oddly specific news from the local newspaper of his beloved Santa Marta, Colombia, to his friends in the UK on a regular basis. New roadworks going on outside Santa Marta? Gotta tell the boys. They need to know.)
Among Julio's biggest passions (other than Liverpool FC and all things design) were people and food.
He had the biggest smile and the kindest heart and was always eager to share his food with his friends, to cook for his family, to bring snacks in for his work colleagues. He'd share with anybody who crossed his path, even with animals. I mean the squirrels in Hyde Park were treated to nuts that he carried in his pocket. "Look at them darling, they are hungry."
When he went to visit friends, he was known to put ice coolers in his bag and carry some specially marinated squid ready to be bbqued later. "Darling, it will make them happy."
When Julio was furloughed during the first wave he spent his time volunteering at the local food bank.
He would regularly buy food and a warm drink for people less fortunate than him who were living on the streets.
When he first became ill and was being looked after by the amazing NHS and St Mary's in particular, he made sure that chocolates and sweets were brought to the nurses and the whole team as a thank you.
He would also bake elaborate cakes for the consultants who had looked after him so well.
As his medical file said: Food is important to patient. But, food was not just important, it was his passion. And it was his language of love.
And now his language will be spoken to all the people who are being helped by World Central Kitchen. And so, his love for food lives on in the amazing work WCK do around the world.
Thank you.