A big hearted Neasden resident celebrated the 30th anniversary of her charity by rewarding those who have helped her.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Dame Betty with Mei Simlai OBE Pic credit: Jonathan GoldbergDame Betty with Mei Simlai OBE Pic credit: Jonathan Goldberg (Image: Jonathan Goldberg)

Dame Betty Asafu Adjaye, from Bentham Walk, founder of the Mission Dine Club (MDC) held a “God is Good” event at the South Kilburn Community Alliance in Carlton Vale, to thank her supporters.

The event was attended by Mei Simlai OBE DL, Queen Elizabeth’s representative for Brent.

Ghanian-born Dame Betty designed Certificates of Excellence given to more than 100 people who, she said “offered their support to Mission Dine and were kind to me”.

The 61-year-old ran MDC from Fry Road, Harlesden, for 25 years holding lunch clubs, social events and hospital visits for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Times snapper Jonathan Goldberg receives an excellence award from Dame Betty on behalf of the Brent & KilburnTimesTimes snapper Jonathan Goldberg receives an excellence award from Dame Betty on behalf of the Brent & KilburnTimes (Image: Jonathan Goldberg)

In 2011 Brent Council demolished the vital centre to expand a school, but Dame Betty continues to run her service travelling around by bus to those who need it.

She said: “I wanted to thank everyone who supported me in their various ways- the disabled groups who used to come and support the groups, Ikea who refurbished the centre, Tesco who provided refreshments for the event.”

Also receiving recognition was The Times, the Euphorium Bakery in Hampstead, Newman Catholic College in Harlesden and the Covent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Willesden and individuals such as Kenton’s Conservative councillor, Reg Colwill.

She added: “God should forgive Brent Council. I didn’t award them. Whatever we have done, they shouldn’t have thrown us out.”

In recognition of her work Ghanaian businessman, Kwaku Pong, has offered to donate his 12 bedroom house in Accra, to be used as a residential care home so that the MDC can expand there.

Godwin Donkor, who has worked with Dame Betty for six months, said: “Dame Betty is simply dedicated, hardworking and nothing stops her from what she wants to do. She is infectious in a way.”

Neelam Patel, community champion at Tesco Wembley Extra, added: “Dame Betty is doing a fantastic job. She is always helping others, she has a very big heart and always caring for others in this country as well as Ghana.”