Family of woman who faced a long battle with multiple sclerosis are helping other sufferers in her memory

Brave Janice Smith passed away earlier this year aged 52, having lived with the condition which attacks the central nervous system for 17 years.

Since then her friends at the Grosvenor Bowling Club have rallied behind her grieving husband Innes and her parents Alex and May.

The club has a special place in the family's hearts as it is where Janice and Innes married, and where they spent many happy times together.

Club members recently organised a fundraiser in Janice's memory, with a charity night raising £1,000 for the Inverclyde MS Support Group.

Innes, 49, said: "I can't thank our friends at Grosvenor Bowling Club enough for all their help.

"It has played such a big part in our lives and I have so many happy memories there.

"It was where we were married 15 years ago by Reverend Liz Crumlish.

"Janice was diagnosed with MS 17 years ago but she never complained, she just got on with it.

"She was so bubbly and always had a smile on her face."

The couple stayed close to the bowling club before moving to Finnart Street a year ago as Janice struggled to get in and out of her flat in a wheelchair.

Innes, who works at Currys in Braehead, said: "Over the years Janice need more support.

"Her carers from Karma Healthcare were brilliant."

The couple first met when Janice worked behind the bar at Victoria Bowling Club, where Innes then played.

The much loved wife and daughter passed away on January 17 this year.

In tribute to Janice, the Grosvenor organised a special charity night, raising £700.

Her friend Liz McDowall, who works behind the bar at the Grosvenor, took part in a Weightwatchers 5k along the Esplanade and raised £300 for the cause as well.

She said: "I wanted to do something because Janice was such a wonderful person."

Janice's dad Alex McAfee told the Tele that the family were touched by the support from the club.

He added: "We wanted to do something to help the support group."

Janice's uncle Dan McAfee said: "Janice had a such a strong tie to this club, it was her life and they were brilliant to her."

The family would like to thank the Grosvenor for all their support and Janice's carers from Karma Healthcare.

Inverclyde MS Support Group members Moira Morrison, the secretary and Patsy Robertson, treasurer, have thanked the family for the fundraising gesture.

The group meets once a month in the Centre for Independent Living on Gibshill Road and all are welcome to come along to the drop-in.

To find out more call Stuart on 630553, Patsy on 800018 or Moira on 716572.