Fundraiser launched to honour families of NHS workers who died fighting coronavirus

The father and son team behind the London Hospitality Festival are looking to raise £25,000 to honour the families of the 181 NHS workers who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul and James Gilley will use the funds to create 181 angel statues to "formally honour and forever remember" those who died fighting coronavirus as a "small token of the nation's appreciation".

The Gilleys commissioned the angel statue, designed by Lucianne Laselle, to be awarded at the London Hospitality Festival in September. But with the event cancelled, they say they have found a greater purpose for it.

"We believe this is an opportunity for the country to come together and, in offering each family an angel, to say thank you for each and every one of these heroic individuals who put themselves on the front line to protect us all."

They say all funds raised will go to the creation of the angel statues, with any surplus being donated to NHS Charities Together.

Donations can be made here.