Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has pledged to match £250,000 worth of donations to help support frontline National Health Service workers.

Evra has partnered with Lineage, a food storage company, in the hope of raising £500,000 to fund meals. Lineage will match the Frenchman's donation of £250,000 after he spoke with hospitals in London and Manchester.

"It was when I spoke to staff at Hillingdon Hospital in London and at Manchester Royal Infirmary that I realised we should do more to support the unsung heroes – the cleaners, porters, security staff, without whom the hospitals would not function. The work they are doing is vital, incredibly tough and often heartbreaking," Evra said.

"They are working on the frontline while the rest of the country stays at home and we've got to give our support however we can. I am proud to partner with a company like Lineage Logistics that is stepping up to help launch this important project."