A COMMUNITY-spirited businessman has launched a charity drive to help people with life-limiting illnesses.

James McCairn, who owns ‘Man with a Van’, donated £100 from two weeks wages to Ardgowan Hospice.

The 35-year-old has now raised a total of £400 for a place very close to his heart.

He told the Tele: “I wanted to donate a wee percentage of my income to the hospice. I continued it for two weeks so I could bring it up to £200.

“That’s how much I raised when I did it last year.”

James says the annual appeal is his way of paying tribute to his grandmother Catherine Connon, who died of cancer several years ago, and his best friend’s mum, whose life was also claimed by the disease.

He said: “I’m doing this in memory of my grandmother Catherine and for my best pal Alan Ellis’s mum Mary, who passed away last year.

“Mary was cared for by the hospice before she passed away. The hospice were amazing so I just wanted to do something to help.

“I know the hospice relies on donations, so the more donations they receive the better.”

The hospice’s Joanna Hunter thanked James for his kind gesture.

She said: “It’s brilliant.

“We are so grateful to all the things that people are doing like this in the community, as it makes such a big difference.”