AN Italian restaurant is providing freshly cooked food for doctors, nurses and the elderly.

Il Padrino in Middlewich has pledged to donate Italian dishes to Leighton Hospital every Sunday throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Owner Alberto Hallumi teamed up with business partner Salvatori Suad who is head chef at sister restaurant Don Alberto's in Holmes Chapel, to prepare the Italian feasts.

Knutsford Guardian:

Il Padrino and Don Alberto's Italian restaurants are donating food to the NHS

The pair have served pizzas and lasagnes to the accident and emergency unit, midwifery ward, Covid-19 unit, children's department and Mount Pleasant Nursing Home in Knutsford.

The restaurant also delivered a surprise meal to the family of Manchester Arena bomb victim Freya Lewis in Holmes Chapel.

Mum-of-three Claire Halluni, who runs the Wheelock Street restaurant with her husband, said: "Freya was one of the survivors of the MEN arena bomb attack on May 22, 2017 but sadly lost her best friend Nell Jones that night.

Knutsford Guardian:

Manchester Arena bomb survivor Freya Lewis suffered 29 injuries, was in a coma for five days, and wheelchair-bound for three months

"Freya has published her own story of the events. I think now it's relevant to say how hard the NHS works not just in times like this during Covid-19 but also in a tragedy.

"We felt this was a really good time to say well done Freya, thank you for being such an inspiration."

Teenager Freya Lewis tells her courageous story of recovering from the serious injuries she suffered in What Makes Us Stronger.

READ > Knutsford-based family business supplying essential products during coronavirus lockdown

Il Padrino has been overwhelmed with donations from the local community to help fund the meals they are donating to the NHS.

Claire said: "We want to thank the frontline and NHS for all they do and the wonderful communities that have donated to our restaurants towards the cost of the meals.

"We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank key workers, shop assistants, care workers and all those doing what they can to serve their community. "