A group of professionals, which meet in south east Macclesfield, have donated an incredible amount to a local charity.

Local business networking group, BNI Silk, has pledged its support for Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice, resulting in a £22,662 uplift to the charity's coffers.

The Millbank Drive good cause's Corporate Fundraising Manager, Lisa Ball, joined the Macclesfield-based business networking group in January this year to expand her network of corporate contacts.

And it has culminated in this recent donation.

East Cheshire Hospice, in the Upton Priory area of Macclesfield.

The 28-strong members of the group were so impressed with everything they heard about the Hospice from Lisa that they have participated in a number of fundraising activities over the last seven months.

Seven members of BNI Silk took part in Born Survivor at Capesthorne Hall, raising £1,285, an email marketing campaign was gifted by Lee Shore of Macclesfield company, Merrehill generating income of £8,500. Members took part in the Starlight Walk, have attended quiz nights and donated over 1,000 Crème Eggs! Nick Stratford of Stratford Solicitors in Poynton donated £3,600 from unclaimed funds. And this is just some of the fundraising that the Group has taken part in.

Member, Arman Kizir of Lumafilm is donating a promotional video for the Hospice's Fire and Ice Walk later this year, another member has arranged a donation of plants and another donated gel sachets for Great Manchester Run runners.

Speaking about the support, President of BNI Silk, Kevin Cook, said, "Lisa's passion for the hospice is infectious and inspired us all to do our bit for this amazing local facility which benefits so many people from across the area.

The group has 28 members, so averaged a donation of £785.71 per member.

"I'm really delighted with everyone's enthusiasm. Our business group is all about supporting each other to grow and develop each other's businesses so I shouldn't really be surprised at the effort everyone has made."

The purpose of BNI is to provide a business development environment with members gaining business through word of mouth referrals. Meeting every week, group members have plenty of opportunity to learn about each other's businesses and understand the types of new opportunities each member is looking for.

Commenting on the support she has had since joining the group, Lisa said, "BNI Silk members have been amazing. They have listened to what we need and done their utmost to support us.

"We meet as a group every week which is lovely but it's been great to see so many familiar faces from my BNI family turn up at fundraisers to do their bit.

They meet every week at Macclesfield Golf Club on The Hollins.

"I joined the group to extend the hospice's reach and gain new contacts – the fundraising support has been an added bonus!"

BNI Silk meet at Macclesfield Golf Club every Thursday morning from 6.45am – 8.30am.

The Macclesfield branch of the national networking group has members from local mortgage advisors, willwriters to lightning protection specialists.

Over the last, months members of Silk BNI have referred over £3.74m worth of business to each other.

Anyone interested in visiting the group should email [email protected] for details.

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