THOUGHTFUL schoolboy Ben Walker has paid tribute to his precious nana in a very special way – by donating money to Ardgowan Hospice where she was lovingly cared for.

In a touching gesture that has moved both his parents and staff at the hospice, the big-hearted 12-year-old handed over a cheque for £60 in memory of his nana Carol Millar.

She sadly passed away two years ago at the age of 54 after bravely battling breast cancer.

In her memory, Ben, an S1 pupil at St Columba’s in Gourock, decided to donate all the money he received from family and friends when he made his confirmation, an important milestone in the Catholic faith.

He said: “My nana was my sponsor for my first communion and confession while I was at St Ninian’s Primary, but she died when I was in P5.

“I thought I would do something for her when I made my confirmation in June.

“I chose to give the money to Ardgowan Hospice as I used to go and visit my nana when she stayed there and I also used to go with her to one of the clubs at the Access Centre.

“All the people at the hospice are really nice and they looked after my nana really well.

“For my confirmation I also chose St Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients, as my saint’s name.” Ben’s parents Colin and Pauline, who live with Ben and his two sisters, nine-year-old Elise and two-year-old Carly, at Brueacre Drive in Wemyss Bay, are immensely proud of their son’s gesture.

Colin, 38, said: “Ben got a lot of comfort out of going to the hospice and always used to comment on what a nice place it was. When he told us what he wanted to do we said that his nana wouldn’t have expected him to do that, but he was adamant that was what he wanted.” Colin said his mother-in-law received amazing support from the hospice.

He said: “When we went to visit Carol, the staff were so accommodating and kept giving us cups of tea and food.

“They also gave us the use of the family room the night before Carol passed away.

“They were just amazing.

“We received a lot of help after she died and we still continue to go to the hospice for fundraising days.” Ben’s sister Elise is also collecting money for the hospice at the moment.