Friend rallies support for Easter Ross restaurant couple hit by cruel cancer blow
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A FAMILY friend is raising money to give a 'helping hand' to a well-known restaurant owner who is suffering from cancer.
Tain resident Emily Smith set up a crowdfunding campaign for Elide Franzoni who alongside her husband Ugo, run Italian Touch Restaurant and Cafe in Portmahomack near Tain.
The couple moved from Italy to Portmahomack in 2016 and since then have become a huge part of the local community. In two days the fundraiser achieved its initial £3000 target as donations came in from across the country.
In her gofundme fundraising page, Miss Smith said: "This past year has been hard on us all but especially so on our dear friends Elide and Ugo.
"Elide had been unwell for the majority of 2020 and was eventually diagnosed with a cancerous tumour to which she is still receiving ongoing treatment for and will be for the foreseeable future.
"Elide and Ugo moved from Italy to Portmahomack in 2016 to follow their dreams of living and working in Scotland.
"They then went on to open the well-renowned restaurant Italian Touch in 2019."
She continued: "Like many small businesses, they had to close due to the pandemic and then Elide's illness. The diagnosis has turned their entire world upside down and their priority is now the care of Elide and helping her through the various stages of treatment.
"This will put an enormous amount of strain and stress on the two of them but with support they will get the strength to meet the challenges of each day.
"People have asked me what the money will be used for, and it is simply to support Elide and Ugo who have been out of work since the pandemic struck last year, they have had no government help. They have been travelling back and forth to hospital, sometimes in Aberdeen, and as they have no family here in Scotland, Ugo has been staying in accommodation and there are many extra costs for everything. "
She added: "I'm sure the community of Portmahomack has felt the kindness and love that Elide and Ugo radiate in the past so let's give some back to them.
"Any donations will be greatly appreciated in supporting the two of them through one of the toughest times we can imagine."
To support the campaign, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/f/a-helping-hand-for-elide-and-ugo
