TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Greenock grandad who cruelly died of cancer seven years after a life-saving kidney donation from his brother.

Peter McLaughlin was diagnosed with rare autoimmune condition Goodpasture's syndrome which required a transplant from his sibling Sam in 2010.

The dad-of-two and grandad-of-three bravely battled on and was a regular at Inverclyde Royal's renal unit for seven years.

But in March, Peter, who lived in Ardgowan Street with wife Mary, was told he had cancer of the lymphatic system.

He sadly passed away on July 19 at the age of 74.

His daughter Sharon Gillan said: "Goodpasture's syndrome attacked his kidneys and he was on dialysis.

"It's so rare but he didn't let it get in his way.

"A kidney was donated by his brother - my uncle Sam - in February 2010.

"It was a sad thing after getting the kidney transplant for this to happen.

"Dad developed lymphoma in March but the chemo was too much and his body couldn't deal with it and he developed an infection."

Peter worked in IBM for a number of years after starting there when he was 23.

He married Mary and they had daughter Sharon, son Peter and three grandchildren - Scott, Jack and Skye.

Peter retired in 2000 aged 58 and spent time volunteering with Ardgowan Hospice but was forced to give it up when he developed kidney problems.

He was a popular figure with staff and patients at the renal unit, so much so that family asked for donations to the ward at his funeral.

Sharon, who lives in Dempster Street, said: "My dad was out there for seven years and couldn't speak highly enough of them.

"They were so kind with him and he was so popular at the unit.

"He did a lot of drawing and painted pictures to pass the time and they have put one of his pieces up in the waiting room and we said we would donate another one.

"Instead of flowers we asked for donations at his service and raised a thousand pounds.

"People were very generous."

Peter was also a keen fisherman and had a poignant send-off overlooking the Clyde.

Sharon said: "He didn't want a religious service so it was held at the Beacon because he was such a keen fisherman, especially with his cousin Bill.

"That was the first service they've ever done and between the folk at the Beacon and PB Wright it couldn't have went any better.

"We then had tea in the Tontine where me and my brother both got married.

"It was a nice send-off for him."

The family would like to thank celebrant Christine Currie and Dr Mun Woo, Dr Colin Geddes and staff at the IRH renal unit.