THE family of a much loved  late Greenock man who had Down’s Syndrome are keeping a promise to support the Sunshine Club in his memory.

Larger than life Stephen Watt in November last year aged 54 after battling ill health for a number of years.

He was an active member of the friendship club for a long time and benefited from the social activities it provides.

But the club — which is run by volunteers and relies solely on donations — has been forced to cancel its annual outing to Blackpool this year to save money, and is currently in need of extra support.

Stephen’s family, including his niece Heather Gill, are determined to do all they can to help, as a fitting tribute to their late loved one.

Heather, 38, from Larkfield, said: “Everyone loved my uncle Stephen.

“He was the life and soul of the party.

“He just kept on smiling, even when he could no longer leave his nursing home.

“He had a smile on his face whenever you went in to see him, right to the end.

“Stephen was in so much pain but he never let on — he would never say he was sore.

“I promised him that I would raise money for the Sunshine Club because it meant so much to him.

“It was the one thing I could do for him.”

Heather, along with others in the family, will pay tribute to Stephen with a fundraiser for the club next month in his name.

The family — including his sister Sandra, who he stayed with for many years, and his brothers John and Duncan — were all left devastated when Stephen died in November.

Heather said: “Even when Stephen could no longer go because he was so ill, his friends from the Sunshine Club would keep in touch and come and visit.

“Billy Henderson, who used to drive him to the club at one time, would visit him. The club meant so much to him.”

Heather has fond memories of growing up with her uncle and her own children were close to him.

She added: “He loved nothing more than having his scampi and chips with a beer. One of our happiest memories was taking him out for something to eat last summer. It was the last time he was able to get out for lunch and he was so happy sitting there.

“He was Rangers daft and also used to go to Morton games with my dad Duncan, his brother.

“When he turned 54, only weeks before he died, my husband Ashley baked him a Rangers cake and he was so happy.”

Stephen was a Sunshine Club regular until he encountered spinal problems and found himself wheelchair-bound.

In his last years he moved into a care home to be given round-the-clock care.

Like many members of the Sunshine Club, which has been going strong for more than 30 years, Stephen took part in its weekly social events, as well as charity fundraisers and he loved the club’s annual trip away to Blackpool.

But organisers have had to shelve the trip this year as it becomes ever more difficult to keep going and provide the vital support that so many local families have relied on over the years.

The club meets in Crawfurdsburn Community Centre and relies on a small band of seven volunteers, led by chairman Douglas Salmon, to care for a total of 28 members.

Heather added: “There is really nothing else quite like it.
“But they have said it is hard raising money to keep it going.

“We told them that we wanted to help.”

Stephen’s family are holding their charity event in the Loreto Club with a buffet, DJ and karaoke.

His favourite team Rangers and local club Morton are supporting the night, with donations coming in from other local companies as well.

Sunshine Club chairman Douglas Salmon says he is humbled with the support from Stephen’s family.

He said: “Stephen was a very good friend of mine.

“The Sunshine Club is well supported and we will continue to open for our 28 members.

“But we are not able to go on our trip to Blackpool this year to save funds.”

The fundraiser in honour of Stephen Watt takes place at the Loreto Club on Saturday April 22 from 7.30pm.

There will be bingo, music, karaoke and a cold finger buffet.

Tickets priced £7 are available from the Sunshine Club or by contacting Heather on 07513 063017.