Aylesbury's Muslim community provides hundreds of free meals to frontline workers fighting coronavirus

The initial idea and sponsorship came from local businessman Raj Khan, owner of TWK Limited – a transport company – who realised he may be able to help delivering vital supplies to those who were self-isolating.

However, it soon morphed into something close to a food delivery enterprise via A&M Pakistan Catering in High Wycombe who are providing the meals at cost, to a whole host of volunteers and sponsors from across the Muslim community in Aylesbury helping to pack and deliver the food.

Mr Khan said to The Bucks Herald: "I am absolutely amazed by the Muslim community coming to the forefront as they have. I set the precedence but what followed was a volcanic response from the Muslim Community."

Mr Khan added: "It's my way of thanking humanity and what other people have done for me in the past. It's my way of giving back to the town that I live in.”

As it stands, each Friday almost 400 single portion ready cooked meals of either Chicken biryani or Vegetable biryani are delivered to Aylesbury Fire Station, Aylesbury Police Station, Stoke Mandeville hospital, as well as to food banks and charities such as Vineyard and Oasis.

Buckinghamshire Councillors Niknam Hussain and Waheed Raja have also been instrumental in enabling this huge charitable effort, giving many hours of their time boxing up and dropping off the food.

Echoing Mr Khan's words, Councillor Niknam Hussain said: "It's an initiative within the Muslim community to give something back."

Regarding the hospital, Mr Hussain joked; “I know they're provided with food but we thought a curry would be good for them!”

Stoke Mandeville Hospital, who have been receiving the food deliveries, said: “We’re grateful for the continued support from the local community in Aylesbury. Staff have really appreciated the delicious food, especially as many are working long shifts and spending lots of time away from homes.”

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said to us: “Its a lovely gesture, we really appreciate it and we like to say a big thank you to them.”

Since the deliveries began a couple of months ago, other businesses and organisations have been sponsoring the initiative, including Aylesbury Mosque, Watan Halal Stores, Abi Newsagents in Aylesbury High Street and Cabs4U.