THE family of a courageous young Greenock mum who passed away after a brave battle against cancer say they are overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the people of Inverclyde.

Jen Shaw, 30, a devoted mother to three-year-old Poppy and loving wife to her husband Andrew, 31, sadly passed away on March 20.

Whilst undergoing gruelling treatment and caring for her new baby, Jen, of Greenock’s Clydeview Road, found the time and motivation to raise funds and awareness of bowel cancer.

Jen, who posthumously won our ‘Heart of Gold’ award at the Tele’s community champions night, has inspired her family to raise even more funds.

Led by Jen's sister Lorna, her family organised two charity nights in aid of Ardgowan Hospice to mark what would have been Jen’s 31st birthday in August - raising over £3,000.

Jen's sister Lorna said the family have been completely blown away by the support shown by the local community.

She said: "I thought we would raise about £2,000, that was my target.

"It was a comfort to know that people thought that much of her."

The charity night was held in the Greenock Rangers Supporters’ Club on August 18 - the eve of what would've been Jen’s 31st birthday.

Lorna added: "It was emotional at midnight because it was Jen's birthday."

The charity night was followed by a charity psychic night with Gordon Armour and his mum Mary at the Auchmountain Halls.

Lorna said: "The Inverclyde community's support has been amazing."

Jen's mum Janet said it's hard to put into words how grateful they are to the people of Inverclyde.

She said: "This is about giving something back to the people who supported us."

Jen's husband Andrew says he is indebted to the hospice and the community for everything they have done for them.

He said: "We were determined to raise money because the staff at the hospice were all amazing with Jen and with us all.

"They kept us going at times when we really needed it.

"They looked after Jen amazingly well and they took care of all of us at the same time.

Andrew says the hospice is still supporting their family.

He added: "We have all been coming to counselling at the hospice and that has been a real help."

Alex Mula from the hospice said they are so grateful to receive the donation.

He said: "This is a huge amount and could pay for five days for patients and their families at the in patient unit."

Jen's family are keen to thank the Greenock Rangers Supporters’ Club for the hall hire as well as local DJ Allan Knights and Thomas Compston for the catering.

They are also grateful to Garry Stewart for getting waxed and raising £200 and Sara Haughey who did the waxing.