CHERISHED friends of a Greenock woman who passed away at the age of just 53 have raised thousands of pounds for Ardgowan Hospice in her memory.

Lesley Stevenson was struck by a sudden terminal illness which tragically robbed her of her life in just a few short weeks earlier this year.

The mum of two teenage sons spent her final days being cared for at the hospice — a facility she’d helped collect more than £400 for in February — surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Keen golfer Lesley — a much-loved stalwart of Gourock Golf Club — was at the centre of everyone’s thoughts during the annual ladies invitational flag competition when it took place recently.

The hugely successful event, including a raffle and auction, raised £3,500 for the hospice.

Lesley’s husband, Colin, described the total, and work done at Ardgowan, as ‘overwhelming’.

Lesley’s golfing friend, Marjorie Carmichael, told the Telegraph: “Although we raised £3,500 during the flag competition day, we also collected more than £400 for the hospice at a coffee morning in February.

“Lesley was our social convener and she had organised the coffee morning.

“It has been absolutely devastating to lose her.” Marjorie added: “We’ve now adopted the hospice as a cause we will return to time and time again to raise money for.

“The quality of the care and attention afforded to Lesley and everyone else who has had to use the hospice cannot be faulted.

“Lesley was full of fun, she was such a huge presence in the ladies’ section.” Fellow golfer Margaret Young said: “Lesley truly lit up a room when she walked in and was a real larger than life character.” Lesley’s devoted husband Colin said: “I have been overwhelmed by the fundraising and the service provided by Ardgowan Hospice — it has been second-to-none.

“I would say that if you can help the hospice in any way you can, just do it. The staff are truly fantastic.

“It’s such a worthwhile cause which provides a wonderful service to people throughout Inverclyde.” *The golf competition was won by Joan Green and Alastair Ferdinand, Fiona Phillips and John McKay finished second and Fiona Erskine and John McDougall were in third place.