Overview
- Michelle Cummins, 53, is recovering from major head and neck cancer surgery that removed part of her lower jaw and left her with severe dysphagia during a six-week radiotherapy course.
- She says staff at Farina in Liverpool declined her request to blend a main course, leaving her feeling marginalised and humiliated during a visit with her mother.
- Farina states it could not blend food because no blender was on site and says staff offered soup and a soft-cooked pasta option while emphasizing that pre-booking enables accommodations.
- Cummins disputes the restaurant’s account, saying no lack-of-blender explanation or soft pasta was offered and that she did not receive an alternative she could safely eat.
- She has begun contacting other Liverpool eateries and reports many would blend meals if told in advance, using the experience to campaign for wider recognition of dysphagia in hospitality.