A successful businessman has used his industry expertise to raise thousands for a local charity.

Businessman Kalpesh Patel raised £10,000 last year, for the Tooting branch of Ronald McDonald House Charities, with whom he has a particularly personal bond.

Mr Patel, who started his career as a part-time worker at McDonald’s at the age of 17, today owns nine of the restaurants- in some of the busiest areas of South and South West London.

Mr Patel has not just been busy building his franchise he has also dedicated his time to support the independent charity, which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families whose children are being treated in hospital.

Over the past four years Mr Patel and his staff have raised in excess of £25,000 for the Tooting charity, which is located in the grounds of St George’s Hospital.

Speaking about his most recent donation, Mr Patel said: “In 2011 we decided to go all out on our fundraising efforts.

“I have witnessed for myself the important work that this charity does.

“We will continue to do everything we can to support the charity as a whole and our local house in Tooting.”