Members of the Asian community raised a phenomenal sum for a Harrow hospice at a casino-themed fundraiser.

The Kutch Madhapar Karyalaya (KMK) held the evening of dinner and dancing in aid of St Luke’s Hospice and raised £20,000 in the process.

Many KMK members have relatives who have benefitted from St Luke’s services, including Preesha Lachani, whose father was cared for by the hospice.

“We all know that our time in the world is limited and that death is inevitable, yet when it happens to someone you know it is always a surprise,” she said.

“The hospice provided support to my dad and my family through this challenging time. It provided my dad a calm and tranquil place to spend some of his last days.

“We are eternally grateful for all the support, advice and care the hospice provided for my dad and his family.”

Jemini Shah, of St Luke’s Hospice, thanked the KMK for their fantastic support.

“It was a wonderful and we are extremely overwhelmed by the amount they have raised for the hospice, and the time they have put in to organise the event for us.”

She said the money raised could enable their doctors and nurses to visit 320 homes, providing hospice care to many patients.