A COUPLE who used to run a restaurant in Sodbury have defied the odds and returned to the kitchen.

Shamsi Kabbara and Dave Lawrence used to work in a Mexican tapas restaurant in the High Street, but now they have started their own eatery despite Dave undergoing a double lung transplant last year.

Hundreds of people in the Sodbury community contributed to a Gofundme page, amassing a total of more than £9,000 for the duo.

Dave had his major operation in February last year, receiving a number of well wishes from residents and old customers.

Now, almost one year on they have decided to start their own little business, a Mexican restaurant called the Two Amigos at the Royal Oak, open from Wednesday to Saturday 12pm until 2pm and then again 5pm until 9pm.

“We are so pleased to be back,” Shamsi said.

“It feels like the past year has all been a dream, sometimes a nightmare.

“Seeing Dave back in the kitchen is a beautiful sight, back doing what comes so naturally to him.

“There were more than a few times, we didn’t think he’d make it.

“Even on the darkest days, he was so positive and I truly believe his positivity got him through.

“We want people to come in and feel completely relaxed, we have started well after opening on January 15.

“We are humbled by the support and generosity we are still receiving.

“Complete strangers, who we now consider friends after they have followed our journey on our Facebook blog, What a Difference a Dave Makes. They are booking tables in the restaurant so they can come and meet us. It really is a special feeling and we are extremely grateful for everyone’s support over the past year.

“We have to thank The Royal Oak, for offering us this opportunity, back in January 2019, before Dave had his transplant. We are very grateful they waited for us.”

“We cherish every second of every day, which would not have been possible without our amazing donor and her family.

“We promise to look after your gift.”