Ava Sender Logan, 20, a biochemistry student and first-time competitor at Gloucestershire’s famous cheese rolling event, has turned her hard-won prize into a powerful gesture of kindness. After tumbling down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth to win the women’s race last month, she donated the iconic 8lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese to Refugee Community Kitchen, a charitable organization aiding displaced individuals and homeless people across London and northern France.
Competing against 25 other women, Ava’s daring descent earned her the prize cheese, known for its rich, savory flavor. She volunteers for Refugee Community Kitchen and was thrilled to see the cheese used to prepare nourishing meals for rough sleepers in north London—a moment she described as “full circle.”
“The cheese has travelled from Gloucestershire to Oxford to London to the kitchen,” Ava explained. “It’s delicious, and I’m really happy that people can enjoy it.”
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Despite being bruised and battered, Ava avoided serious injury, reflecting on the intense challenge of the race. “I was trying to hold my head and stay on my feet as much as possible,” she said, “but there’s only so much you can do.”
Refugee Community Kitchen, founded by four friends in 2015, is dedicated to serving nutritious, judgment-free meals to those affected by war, poverty, persecution, and climate change. The charity provides hundreds of meals weekly and has received prestigious recognition, including the Observer Food Monthly’s Outstanding Achievement Award.
Co-founder Sam Jones praised Ava’s courageous contribution: “It’s wonderful to see the cheese that rolled down the hill transformed into meals for roughly 85 to 90 people in Archway, north London. We’re deeply grateful to Ava for putting herself on the line to secure that cheese.”
Jones hopes Ava’s participation and donation will raise awareness for the charity’s mission. “Over the past decade, we’ve served four and a half million meals in London and Calais. Having passionate people like Ava involved energizes our fundraising and outreach efforts.”
The Gloucestershire cheese rolling event, steeped in history, is believed to stem from an ancient spring festival. This year featured seven races, including two held in memory of past champions.
Ava Sender Logan’s inspiring story exemplifies how tradition, bravery, and compassion can come together to make a meaningful difference.