The story of Elaine and Peter Kinsella

Posted on: 30 May 2024 in 2024

Behind one of the UK’s leading Spanish restaurants, Lunya, are two remarkable individuals - Elaine and Peter Kinsella (BSc Hons Psychology 1985).

As a married couple, Elaine and Peter’s journey starts from university classmates to successful entrepreneurs. Their story is not only a tale of love and adventure but also a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship and the power of giving back.

Elaine and Peter’s paths first crossed at the University of Liverpool, where they both pursued degrees in Psychology back in the 1980s. Despite hailing from different backgrounds, Elaine from Sheffield and Peter a local Liverpudlian, their shared academic pursuits laid the foundation for a lifelong bond.

Reflecting on the pivotal moment when he admitted his feelings for Elaine, Peter confessed: “We actually got together when we both left University and we both ended up working in the same daycare centre. It was for people with learning difficulties. And that’s where it took me about three months to have the courage to ask her out.”

Their transition from uni friends to colleagues and partners marked the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by support, shared aspirations and a commitment to each other’s growth.

The turning point in their journey arrived with a lifetime opportunity – the Harkness Fellowship. Amidst the Oxford and Cambridge graduates and many doctors, Peter as a brilliant NHS commissioning manager from the north was awarded the scholarship and went on the course to explore services for adults with learning disabilities in the United States. “Spending time with the best people in our field […] it was astonishing on every level”, Peter recalled this transformative experience abroad. He spent a year in the States along with his wife Elaine and their two children at the time, Louis who was 18 months and Sophie just 6 weeks old.

Upon their return from America, Peter went on to bring about radical changes in the field of community care and took the lead both locally and nationally in developing cutting-edge person-centred community care services for people with learning difficulties. At the time helping close institutions and bringing people back home to their communities. Elaine trained as a teacher and then went on to become an Educational Psychologist, working with children and families in Wirral schools.

Whilst they were busy with their careers and bringing up now 3 children, Peter had always had a smouldering ambition to own a deli and restaurant and sell amazing food to the people of Liverpool. After some time spent in Barcelona and many other places in Spain, they embarked on their next venture, creating Lunya, a vibrant tapas bar and deli in the heart of Liverpool. Drawing inspiration from their travels and culinary explorations, they channelled their passion and expertise into creating an immersive dining experience that celebrates Spanish cuisine and culture.

Establishing Lunya was not without challenges. From securing the perfect location to sourcing authentic ingredients and assembling a team, they encountered numerous obstacles along the way. But guided by a shared vision and powered by entrepreneurship, they kept going, determined to bring their idea to fruition.

However, their journey took an unexpected turn when Elaine was diagnosed with two types of cancer. Thyroid and Myeloma, a blood cancer. The latter one whilst incurable is also treatable, and she is currently in remission. Elaine said: “I was sitting in the hospital, having a stem cell transplant. I thought how can we give back? I’ve been through this terrible treatment and I want to give something back.”

Despite facing personal challenges, Elaine and Peter remained resolute in their commitment to supporting others battling similar health issues. Through initiatives like the Lunya £1 bill initiative, they raised over £100,000 for local and national cancer charities including Merseyside Against Blood Cancers - The Bloom Appeal, a Liverpool-based charity supporting families affected by blood cancer and investing in local facilities and research to find a cure.

As a trustee of the Bloom Appeal, Elaine plays a vital role in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers. Her dedication to supporting the community and courageous battle with cancer earned her recognition as the Merseyside Fundraiser of the Year at the BBC Making a Difference Awards.

Elaine and Peter’s continued involvement with Bloom and other local charities, such as Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK and the Lord Mayor’s Charity, demonstrates their belief in the importance of giving back to the community, and their story inspires us all.

To find out more about The Bloom Appeal, please visit: https://thebloomappeal.org.uk/