As a public speaker, Jeffrey Archer is normally a tough act to follow. But speaking after the author at a Jewish Blind and Disabled lunch, Judith Morgan made a lasting impact on the 180 guests by telling how JBD had transformed the life of her 23-year-old daughter Rachel.

Mrs Morgan said she had gone from despair over Rachel's disability to hope for the future after Rachel moved into a JBD mobility apartment in Frances and Dick James Court, in Mill Hill.

Held in Finchley, the lunch raised more than £35,000 towards JBD's latest development in Bushey, which is due to open in the second half of 2012.

Chief executive Hazel Kaye thanked the speakers and "our wonderful lunch committee, chaired by Victoria Lester and Richard Carlowe".