Organisers of a charity dinner which raised £1.1m  said they are “blown away” by the work the charity does.

Entrepreneur Nick Leslau and his wife Maxine invited more than 640 people to Chai’s Signature Dinner, in aid of Chai Cancer Care, which is based in Great North Way, Hendon.

Mr Leslau, a property millionaire who owns Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, welcomed guests and highlighted the need for Chai to continue supporting people fighting the disease.

He said: “Chai looks after those who need help in our community, the whole community, in its moments of maximum distress. That warm embrace, coupled with unrivalled professionalism, can lead you and loved ones through this daunting and challenging journey.

“When I first asked how much it cost for people to use this incredible facility and its programmes, the answer came back that it is entirely free, I was utterly blown away.

“You see, the rationale is that cancer knows no class or financial boundaries and nor does Chai.”

The centre has supported 2,052 cancer patients and their families over the past 25 years.

Following the event, Chai Cancer Care chairman Louise Hager said: “We are overwhelmed with the response and deeply grateful for everyone’s outstanding generosity.”