Norwood’s £2.7m dinner

But it would not be reducing services: “Disabilities and hardship don’t come and go and this is not a cause to cut back on.”

Mr Myers launched Norwood’s new campaign slogan, Change a Life, reflecting the wide-ranging demands on the charity.

Patron of Norwood’s children’s services Cherie Blair said: “This charity has a special place in my heart. I’m particularly proud of the Change a Life campaign because that’s exactly what Norwood does.”

She also introduced the appeal film, featuring Borehamwood mother-of-four Erica Marks and her family, who have been helped by Norwood since her son Benjamin, now 17, was born with a severe disability.

Following the screening, Mrs Marks told diners: “Norwood has been a lifeline to our family since Benjamin was young.

“I wouldn’t be able to tell my story today if it hadn’t been for Norwood’s incredible support.”

After the dinner, Norwood president Richard Desmond said that raising £2.7 million had been “a real achievement. Every contribution is vital to Norwood so that we can continue to help change the lives of thousands of people.”