ITALIAN restaurant owners are supporting NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic by donating lasagnes and pizzas every Sunday.

Alberto and Claire Halluni, who own Don Alberto in Holmes Chapel and Il Padrino in Middlewich, have donated 30 lasagnes and 10 pizzas on the last two Sundays.

The first batch was enjoyed by staff at the A&E department at Leighton Hospital last Sunday, and the same number were delivered to the hospital’s maternity unit on Easter Sunday.

Alberto and Claire received a significant donation towards the cost of Easter Sunday’s delivery from a couple in Holmes Chapel, who wish to remain anonymous.

Knutsford Guardian:

The maternity unit receiving the food on Easter Sunday

Alberto and Claire aim to continue to donate food every Sunday during the pandemic, to either a hospital or care home.

Leighton Hospital has a special meaning for the couple, as two of their three children were born there.

“We decided to donate the food because the NHS staff are having a really hard time and are putting their lives on the line,” said Claire.

“Alberto delivered the food after making arrangements with the hospital, and the staff were absolutely ecstatic.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Food ready to go

Claire thanked staff at both restaurants for coming in early on their own time to help prepare the food for the maternity unit, which was also enjoyed by neonatal and anaesthetic staff.

She also thanked the Holmes Chapel couple for their ‘amazing’ donation.

READ>> Nurses thank community for protective equipment donations

Any donations would be welcomed towards the cost of the future donated food, and anyone who can help can email alberto@donalberto.co.uk

Knutsford Guardian:

Food being prepared at IL Padrino