MASTERCHEF winner Shelina Permalloo has reached her £10,000 crowdfunding target to ensure her Southampton restaurant can reopen following its coronavirus closure.
She will use any excess funds to prepare meals for key workers, starting with 90 hospital and nursery staff.
Mauritian street food eatery Lakaz Maman, on Bedford Place, employs 14 people.
Owner Shelina was offering vouchers by way of reward to anyone who donates to the cause.
She said: "We have been overwhelmed by how wonderful all our customers, friends and family have been throughout this very difficult time for everyone."
Some of the money raised will also be match funded by a grant from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
Anyone pledging £10 will be treated to a hot drink and sweet of their choice while a £100 donation earns a three course meal for four at Lakaz Maman in the future.
Since winning the BBC cooking contest in 2012, Southampton born Shelina has published two well received cookery books Sunshine on a Plate and The Sunshine Diet.
Lakaz Maman opened in spring 2016 and serves authentic recipes with a modern Mauritian twist.
You can still donate at at crowdfunder.co.uk/please-support-lakaz-maman
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