MORE than £2500 was raised at a launch event for the Chase Lodge Hospital Charitable Trust on Sunday, September 11.

A garden party at the Mill Hill hospital’s grounds was attended by about 300 people who partook in fundraising activities and a balloon release in memory of the ill and deceased.

Hospital managing director Amanda Jolly said the event was a great success, and the charity could now get to work providing help to the needy.

“We are now able to start planning and getting the committee together ... £2500 won’t go very far, but it is a good start,” she said.

Barnet Mayor, Councillor Lisa Rutter attended the launch, praising Dr Sarah Lotzof who initiated the formation of the charity.

“I hope that other hospitals will be influenced by her initiative,” she said.

The charity is planning to host a Valentine’s Day ball fundraising event in February 2012.