A popular Edinburgh chef was left in 'critical' condition after suffering a stroke, with friends now hoping to raise cash to support his young family.
Pardeep Bhaukhandi has been in hospital for the last three weeks following the life-threatening medical emergency.
The 42-year-old does not have the necessary insurance, leaving his wife unable to pay the bills and support their children.
His friend, Vinod Kumar, told Edinburgh Live that a fundraiser has been created to help his family at this difficult time.
So far nearly half of the £20k target has been rasied.
Mr Kumar said: “He doesn’t have the insurance for critical illness so his family have been unable to pay the bills at home.
“He is a hard working man and has two sons who go to school and they need looked after.
Pardeep has already undergone major neurological surgery and, all going well, will then be in the rehabilitation centre for a number of months.
Before the stroke, the talented chef was working in the Kahani Indian Restaurant in the city’s Antigua Street and had previously worked at the likes of Amarone, Khushi and Dangal.
It will be a while before he is back working and supporting his family so Vinod is pleading with anyone who can spare a few pounds to give it to his friends.
Vinod added:“At the moment we don’t know when he will even be able to return to work and start earning some money so we thought we would try to raise some money this way.
“If anyone could help it would be really great.”
“He’s a great guy and loves his family and sons so we just want to raise some money to get him by until he can support himself again.”
Anyone who would like to donate can do so HERE.
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