KIND-HEARTED former Ferguson’s shipyard staff handed over a charity cheque for nearly £800 — just days after losing their jobs.

Workers put on a brave face and made the donation to Ardgowan Hospice as they came to terms with being among the 70 left jobless when the shipbuilding firm went into administration almost a week ago.

Stuart Burns, Ferguson’s charity champion, said: “It’s a brilliant donation from everybody but it’s a bit gutting having to stop it now.” Staff hold a hugely successful weekly raffle with all proceeds going to the hospice.

They also organise other events throughout the year and hand over a cheque every six months, with the latest for £770.

Ferguson’s staff have now raised an incredible £21,000 for the hospice over the past 21 years.

Colleague Darren Stevenson added: “It’s not only us who have lost out — charity is losing out too.” Anne Mills, hospice chief executive, paid tribute to the kind workers’ gesture. She said: “I was really sorry to hear that Ferguson’s arrived at the decision to have to close.

“They have been such loyal supporters and generous donators to Ardgowan Hospice since 1993 having raised £20,893.48.

“Even today in the midst of their troubles the big hearted and generous workforce who must be so worried for their own livelihoods wanted to ensure that the hospice received all monies raised to date.

“It was with mixed emotions and a heavy heart that Elaine McNeill, our community development manager, collected a cheque from Ferguson’s for the sum of £770.

“On behalf of patients, carers and families I would like to thank everyone at Ferguson’s for doing so much to support their local hospice to provide specialist palliative care for the people of Inverclyde.” Pictured, from left to right, are Darren Stevenson, Jill Hughes, Stuart Burns, Elaine McNeill, Darren Logan and Kevin Barilli. Picture: George Munro.