Broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth helped the UK support group of medical charity Magen David Adom to raise a healthy £1.2 million from a dinner at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair.

Mr Brandreth praised MDA’s volunteering spirit as a model for the Big Society.

Israel ambassador Daniel Taub, MDA volunteer Zoe Verdene and the Sderot station’s chief paramedic, Avi Tiger, also addressed the 250 guests, who received first-aid packs on departure.