FRIENDS and former colleagues of late Inverclyde schools boss Wilma Bain are to take on a fundraising charity run in her memory.

Hugely popular Wilma died of cancer in earlier this year at the age of only 56.

Now her friends in the local education service are putting together Team Inverclyde to take part in the Great Scottish Run in a show of support for other people battling the disease.

Tributes poured in for the inspirational education and communities director when she lost her fight in April.

In an an online appeal to support their cause, her friends in Inverclyde Council have spoken of the sadness and hurt they feel at Wilma's loss.

In a Justgiving appeal they said: "At the age of 56 her approach to the dreadful diagnosis was nothing short of inspirational.

"She faced the challenge with determination, with good humour and always had a smile on her face."

Married mum-of-one Wilma worked with the local authority for 11 years and was an extremely popular figure.

In the fundraising page set up in her name her colleagues said: "All of us who worked closely and knew her are still hurting.

"But knowing Wilma she would want to give us all a good shake.

"She would not want us to be sad but to remember with joy the life she lived in making sure our young people Inverclyde get the very best education."

The runners are collecting sponsorship in aid of St Vincent's Hospice, where Wilma was looked after.

The fundraisers said: "St Vincent's Hospice cared for Wilma in her last weeks and we thought it would be fitting to make a donation in her name."