OUR hero this week is not one person but a group of business people from Wrexham who raised more than £2,000 for Claire House Childrens' Hospice in one night.

Members of BNI Wrexham, a business networking group, held a fundraising ball at the Cross Lanes Hotel in Marchwiel.

It was organised by Penny Moorhouse, director of Brian Jones Auto Services, Queensway, Wrexham and Lyn Palmer, director of Kingsbridge Allan, Llangollen.

Penny said: "We were delighted and astonished to raise so much money.
"Thank you to the 70 guests who were so generous."

The majority of the £2,000 was raised by an auction of goods and services donated by BNI members. These included a holiday in France, a year of free car servicing and MOTs, a promotional film, rock climbing tuition and a romantic weekend break.

Penny added: "One of the most popular auction items was a half hour flight in a helicopter, donated by Ken Ward from MA Autos in Wrexham.

"Ken's a qualified pilot and in the end offered two flights, one each to the rival bidders."

Money from ticket sales, a raffle and sittings for professional portraits by Wrexham based photographer, Gavin Priest tipped the grand total over the £2,000 mark.

"Throughout the evening, we never forgot why we were raising the money," said Penny. "Claire House Childrens' Hospice looks after 230 children with life limiting and life threatening conditions from across North Wales, Cheshire Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

"The charity has to raise £2 million pounds a year to fund its work and we were delighted to be able to assist in a small way towards that total."

One of the full time fundraisers for Claire House, John Maddock, is a member of BNI Wrexham. Over the last year, the group has generated nearly £5,000 in funds for the charity.

John said, "I am very grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the businesses at BNI.

"Earlier this year, I did a high ropes challenge and asked members for sponsorship. Within five minutes, £150 had been pledged."

BNI Wrexham has 25 members representing professions and trades across the business spectrum in the town. It meets every Thursday morning at the Cross Lanes Hotel and is open to companies committed to providing their customers with high quality products and services.


Do you know a hero?

Let us know about a hero in your life. Someone who is tireless, working for the community; someone who has beaten all the odds to achieve their goal; someone who done something extraordinary for charity or someone who has shown great bravery and courage in the face of adversity or danger. Telephone Evening Leader features on 01352 707 724 and speak to Jo Shone or email features@eveningleader.co.uk