Создатель знаменитого сливового кетчупа Мэттью Эткинсон скончался в возрасте 46 лет

A “well-loved” son, brother and creator of damson ketchup has died at the age of 46. Matthew Atkinson, whose sauce-making skills were once commended by esteemed chef Michel Roux, died on Friday August 7, 2026. The former Queen Elizabeth School and Kendal College pupil spent his life pursuing a career as a chef and perfecting his damson ketchup creation. Derek Atkinson, Matthew’s father, said of his passing: “It more or less destroyed us. He was liked by everybody that came across him, he was a forward going lad.” His family said that he loved walking in the region’s fells growing up with his “long legs carrying him easily over the hills as he took in the stunning views around him.” Derek, 84, said: “He was a well-loved son and brother and will be so much missed by all those who knew and loved him.” The sauce-maker’s catering career got off to an impressive start when he was offered a scholarship in Switzerland to study the subject before returning home to work in The Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite. Matthew’s life was changed forever as a result of a tragic car accident in June 2020 when he was just 20 years old. He was airlifted to hospital and treated for head and spinal injuries but never fully recovered and continued to have debilitating back pain that left him unable to work full-time in the physically demanding role of a chef. He returned to the Punch Bowl Inn and Castle Green Hotel for a period but eventually dedicated his time to focusing on his own creation: damson ketchup. Derek said: “His dream was to become a professional product designer and maker.” It was a dream he fulfilled in many senses. Matthew came up with his unique take on a household staple after being passed a damson recipe book by his friend’s father Peter Cartmell, founder of the Lyth Valley’s Damson Day. He developed the ketchup with the support of his father and Punch Bowl Inn owner Stephen Doherty, creating several batches that “sold like hotcakes” before opening a dedicated space to produce it. The product was sold to people all over the world from America to Australia to Europe, and was stocked in approximately 52 retail outlets before production dried up in April 2024 because of the unpredictability of the damson harvest. His family said: “It is hoped that his unique and secret recipe will continue as a lasting legacy of Matthew’s creativity and determination.” They said Matthew still had dreams of expanding his vision, buying some land and planting his own damson orchard and harvesting his own fruit before he died. His family added: “Instead we are left with just our memories and our own unfulfilled hopes for his future happiness and success in this life.” Matthew’s father said that his health had worsened recently and the 46-year-old had suffered several seizures over the last few years which had contributed to his deteriorating mental health. Derek said: “Looking at Matthew you’d have thought he could have climbed a mountain, he looked a big fit lad but it didn't show the realities of his problems inside his body or his head.” Matthew leaves behind both his parents and brother, who held a private crematorium for him at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium on Friday August 21. Derek said: “He was a wonderful son, an absolute great fella. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and mates.” If anyone wishes to make any contribution towards his memory, all donations should be given to the North West Air Ambulance in recognition of their support for Matthew.