A CHARITY lunch in Bushey helped raise £500 this week to buy a haemoglobin machine for The Peace Hospice in Watford.

Jean Austen, 78, of Meadowcroft, organised Wednesday’s event and entertainment at the Blue Check restaurant in the High Street.

Australian singer Maddi Black took a break from performing a Kylie Minogue tribute to sing songs from musicals, including a well received part from Blood Brothers.

More than 100 people attended the party to dance, eat and give generously, including 51 from the local synagogue’s over 55s club and 14 from the Heath House care home.

The event is the latest in a series of charity events organised by Jean. She said: “Everybody had a wonderful time. They loved the dancing and the entertainment.”

The haemoglobin machine was chosen after Jean asked the hospice what they would like to raise money for.