Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was among more than 700 guests at Kisharon’s dinner in central London on Sunday which raised £1.1 million for the learning disability charity.

The proceeds will go towards the
£2 million required annually to fund day-to-day Kisharon services.

Its major capital commitment is the £12.5 million redevelopment of its school, for which 90 per cent of the cost has been raised, chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson told diners. Building work is due to start later this year.

“We are here to ensure that every individual with learning disabilities is able to live an independent, inclusive life in the community, rich with education, training, employment and social opportunities,” she added.

Kisharon chair Philip Goldberg highlighted the charity’s growth over the past 12 months, during which its Tuffkid Nursery has been refurbished, its college extended and its employment service relocated and expanded.

Dinner chairs Adam and Emma Castleton — whose son Elias featured in the appeal video — said doctors had prepared them “for a life with a child who would achieve very little. And to be ready for a bleak future. Absolutely not true.

“Thanks to Kisharon, Elias’s life has been filled with success.”

Goody bags given to guests at the end of the night were prepared by Kisharon clients.