Two-hundred Jewish Blind & Disabled supporters celebrated its 50th anniversary in the elegant surrounds of the Wallace Collection in London’s West End, raising £80,000 for JBD’s expanding services.

Welcoming guests, JBD chair John Joseph said that the late Cecil Rosen had established the charity in 1969.

Together with “his right hand man Malcolm Ozin”, he opened a 20-apartment building in South London.

“Never in their wildest dreams would they have thought that 50 years later, the charity would have 317 purpose-built one and two bedroom apartments across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

“We have helped thousands of people to live independently, transforming not just their lives but those of their families. We have wonderful supporters, passionate volunteers and a dedicated professional team.The future is bright.”

In her first public address as JBD chief executive, Lisa Wimborne said that as the charity recalled its achievements to date, “we are all the more committed to our ambitious plans for the future”.

A film was screened telling the stories of tenants whose lives have been transformed by JBD. Kane, who is in his early 30s, confided that he had once contemplated suicide. A disabling condition had left him totally dependent on his mother and he was told there was nowhere that could help someone of his age.

But after finding out about JBD, he moved into his own state-of-the-art mobility apartment and is now building a positive future.

Mr Ozin, who remains involved with the charity as president, declared: “With your help, we will continue to make Cecil’s dream a reality over the next 50 years and beyond.”