MORTON’S community coaching chief stepped in to give Ardgowan Hospice a helping hand during the recent snowstorms — in memory of his dad.

Kind-hearted Brian McLaughlin turned up at the hospice’s door to shovel snow when the ‘beast from the east’ hit Inverclyde.

He spent hours helping clear a path for doctors and nurses so they could get on with caring for their patients.

Brian told the Tele it was his way of saying thank-you for the way the hospice cared for his dad, also Brian, who died in December last year.

The 32-year-old, who is the Morton Community Trust’s development manager, said: “I stayed in the hospice for a week with my dad and it really opened my eyes to what they do for people.

“It is like a big family.

“They did my family and my dad proud.

“It is a different world and before my dad was in here, I had no idea.

“It is so special to me.

“It is not just my dad, but it is the care they give the whole family.”

On the worst day of the snow Brian walked all the way from Gateside Gardens to the hospice to volunteer his services.

He said: “Cabin fever sets in and I just wanted to do something to help. 

“I wanted to help Ardgowan Hospice because it means so much to me and I will do more in the future.”

Hospice bosses were deeply moved by the support they received from the likes of Brian and others in the community during the blizzards.

Caretaker Donald McDevitt added: “We are overwhelmed by people’s response. It show how much the hospice means to people and some help goes a long way.”