A GREENOCK hairdressers proved themselves a cut above by handing over £500 to help a hero firefighter.

Joan Darrah, owner of Ola Hair Design, asked customers for donations to support Andy Adams, who was left paralysed after a wall collapsed on him as he fought flames at a deliberate fire in Larkfield in August 2016.

She says what happened really hit home because her husband Stephen is a crew commander at Cowcaddens Fire Station and worked with Andy in Greenock.

Joan said: “Every single firefighter feels it, it’s like being part of a family.

“They all took it in turns to visit Andy in hospital.

“Stephen just felt it could have happened to any one of them.”

Detectives have been unable to find the people responsible and bring them to justice and officers renewed their appeal on the anniversary of the incident last August.

Joan said: “I think it’s affected everyone in the community and the fact that no-one has been caught for this is just awful.”

Joan, who also has a further connection with the family as Andy’s sister is one of her clients, said: “I would like to thank all of our customers, who have been very generous.
“One of my customers is 83 and handed in £60.”

Andy’s colleagues were swift to praise the donation for Andy’s appeal fund.

Watch commander Fraser Grant said: “Everyone has rallied round for Andy. It’s fantastic.

“He’s had a few setbacks but he’s positive and he really appreciates all the help he’s received.”