A GOUROCK artist has drawn on her talents to raise money for her firefighter friend who was left paralysed after tackling a deliberate blaze.

Susan Stratton, from Gourock, decided to do her bit for the Andy Adams Fund by offering to draw portraits of families, pets or people’s favourite pop stars in return for a £20 donation to the fund.

The 50-year-old, who enjoys art as a hobby, says she has been stunned by the incredible response to her efforts, which have so far raised £1,600.

She added: “I’ve been truly overwhelmed by everyone’s support. I’ve spent a lot of hours over the last few months drawing, and at times it’s been very challenging juggling work commitments and family life. 

“But it’s nothing to the challenging times Andrew, Clare and their family have had and are facing in the future.” 

Andy, 49, has no feeling below his chest after a wall collapsed on him while he tackled an incident at the Larkfield Masonic Club last year. As he faces up to having to relearn basic skills like how to eat and drink, he says the massive show of support locally and across the country has helped pull him through.

Susan added: “I have been truly inspired by Andrew’s bravery and courage since his accident and by my dearest friend Clare’s unfailing support to her him and to their children. 

“It’s also been great to see how the local community has pulled together to support this family.”

Susan completed 36 drawings in return for donations to the fund.

She even had requests for portraits from friends in Australia and Kazakhstan.

Susan formally handed over the money raised to Andy and presented him with a portrait of his own.

She would like to thank everyone for their generosity and very kind comments.

Anyone who would like to donate to the fund can do so online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Andy-Adamsfund1