More than 600 guests at Kisharon’s Together We Grow annual dinner at London’s Hilton Park Lane helped raise almost £1m towards the £2.3m needed every year to fund the day-to-day running of services.

Chief Executive Richard Franklin, in the first annual dinner since his appointment in March this year, said: “Our growth is inextricably linked to the growth of others – so that together we grow. I see a world which we will change – where every person in this room will not think twice about employing a person with a learning disability.”

He announced six new supported living units in Golders Green and negotiations with the Tiferes Yisroel community in Edgware with a view to offering more.

Kisharon School pupil Tali Rose, 12, introduced Kisharon’s appeal video. She said: “This is all about the things that matter to everyone at Kisharon. I want them to matter to you too.”

Guest speaker was Gai Ben Dor, founder of Israeli charity 180⁰ Sport which runs walking and running groups for people of all ages with special needs. The charity maintains that with the right support, anyone can make an 180⁰ change in their lives. “I strive to create a better world, a world of inclusiveness and diversity and where we never give up on our individual dreams,” he said.

PHOTO: Tali Rose with Kisharon Chairman Philip Goldberg and Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev at the dinner