A FIRE which destroyed Gunnersbury Park café last week, coupled with the financial impact of COVID-19, has prompted the park to launch its first fund-raising appeal.

It has already lost 40 per cent of its annual income and is forecasting a funding gap of £250,000 this year, threatening potential closure of the heritage site.

David Bowler, CEO of Gunnersbury Community Interest Company, said: “What people might not be aware of is that every time they bought a cup of tea or coffee, approx 25p (10%) was invested by us directly back into the maintenance and care of the park and museum.

“Those 25pences, along with 10% of the price of your pizza or sandwich, amounted to over £70,000 per year, which has now been wiped out.”

He is asking people to donate £10, the equivalent of a few cups of coffee, or whatever they can afford, with the aim of raising £25,000 over the summer months.

Donate via: www.visitgunnersbury.org