A charity has received its largest donation to date after a businessman handed over £20,000.

Ronald McDonald House, located within St George’s Hospital, in Blackshaw Road, Tooting, was presented with the cheque by restaurant owner Kalpesh Patel.

The charity acts as a home away from home for parents with children staying in the hospital.

Mr Patel, who owns nine McDonald’s restaurants, gave away the cheque to the charity during its annual Christmas raffle.

Councillor Nicola Nardelli, deputy mayor of Wandsworth Council, attended the event alongside house manager Jeanette Hill.

Last year Mr Patel and his staff donated £10,000 to the charity and the businessman has donated £25,000 for the charity in total.

He said: “After seeing how much the £10,000 donation we made last year to the House has meant, I decided  to set the target even higher and raise £15,000 in 2012 but we exceeded even our own expectations.

“The enthusiasm around fundraising for such a great cause, as well as increased levels of awareness among my staff and local businesses, generated an incredible £20,000.”

Ms Hill said: “We are extremely grateful to Kalpesh Patel and his team for raising such an incredible
sum of money for Ronald McDonald House Tooting.

“This is the single largest donation the house has ever received and it will go a long way towards providing the support and care we offer to families whose children are being treated at St George’s Hospital.”