An Isle of Man Institute of Directors’ event supported by Barclays Wealth and Investment Management has raised more than ?1,600 for charity.

A raffle held during the lunch, which was addressed by author and inspirational speaker Neil Francis, raised ?820, which Barclays matched pound-for-pound.

All the money raised has been donated to Hospice Isle of Man, one of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management’s nominated charities in 2014.

Hospice PR and Marketing Manager Mary Doyle said: ‘I’d like to thank everyone involved in facilitating such a lovely lunch and raising such a fabulous amount for Hospice Isle of Man.

‘All the support is very much appreciated, so thank you to Barclays Wealth and Investment Management and the Institute of Directors.’

The lunch, held at The Sefton hotel, was attended by around 100 Institute members and guests. The audience heard from Mr Francis, who talked about how a stroke at 41 forced him to rethink his life and take a new direction, giving up the CEO post he had held for 11 years to become a caddie at one of Scotland’s top golf courses.

He explained how the stroke initially destroyed his confidence and left him battling to come to terms with his loss of status, and how becoming a caddie gave him the inspiration, insights and opportunities to change his life.

Stuart Nelson, Head of Corporate and Intermediary Banking at Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the Isle of Man said: ‘We are pleased to have sponsored an event which not only delivered a fascinating and inspirational talk, but also raised a significant sum for Hospice Isle of Man, which we are supporting throughout this year.

‘The work Hospice does is extremely important, but is also very costly, which is why it is so vital for the Island community to offer its support through fundraising events like this.’

Clive Parrish, Chairman of the Institute of Directors in the Isle of Man, added: ‘I’d like to thank Barclays Wealth and Investment Management for sponsoring this event.

‘Our guests were treated to an insightful talk by Neil Francis which, I’m sure, inspired and entertained in equal measure, and generously supported our raffle so we could show support for Hospice and its work in the Isle of Man.’

After the event, lunch venue The Sefton hotel boosted the funds raised further by donating ?300 to Hospice Isle of Man.