A GOUROCK mum whose son relies on the under-threat McPherson Centre today warned that ‘hell will freeze over’ before she lets it shut.

Patricia Arthur says the facility is a lifeline for her 22-year-old son Thomas, who has severe cerebral palsy, epilepsy and cortical blindness.

Thomas needs round the clock care and his hours in the McPherson Centre are vital.

Mum-of-five Patricia says that the centre for adults with complex learning disabilities makes ‘all the difference in the world’ to the family.

Outraged Patricia added: “I would have a sit-in to stop this place closing.

“Some things in life are worth fighting for and this is one of them.

“Hell will freeze over before I let this go.

“We have at least got to speak up and try to save it.

“Honestly, they would sentence Thomas to death if he didn’t have a centre to go to.”

Health and social care bosses want to shut the McPherson Centre and move everyone into the Fitzgerald Centre in Greenock in the short term.

Eventually they plan to have a new community hub which will be integrated with older people.

But Patricia says the move would come at a huge human cost.

She told the Tele: “I just don’t think they can replicate the care anywhere else.

“The staff are outstanding and the centre is first class.

“Everything just gets cut, it is cut after cut after cut.

“I see it in the NHS as well.

“The parents of children with special needs are like seagulls — we have to hold on to any scraps that get thrown our way and never give them up.”

Devoted parents Patricia and husband Tommy also have four older children, Lindsey, Chris, Gerard and Kirsty.

Their sibling Thomas additionally suffers from severe sclerosis, has brittle bones and is oxygen-reliant because of his condition and unable to spend long periods of time in his customised wheelchair.

Patricia, who lives in Gourock’s Iona Walk, recently posted a heart-rending video plea on Facebook asking for help to save the centre.

She said: “What are these people going to be left with if they keep taking everything away?

“I am not just fighting for my son, I am fighting for everyone.

“There are people in the centre who don’t have parents to fight for them.”

Council bosses today sought to reassure families who are concerned about the situation.

A spokesman said: “Change can be unsettling for anyone.

“It is therefore important to stress that no services are being cut nor are any services being reduced.

“We have been working closely with service users, families and carers through Your Voice and an advisory group to hear their views and to discuss the proposals.

“We are fortunate that Inverclyde has some of the most dedicated, experienced and skilled people caring and supporting those with a learning disability.

“Services users will continue to receive support based on their individual needs.

“This includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, specialist nursing and medical support and a care manager.”