A MAN who fought off cancer thanked nurses and our local hospital as he showed his support for them at a charity coffee morning.

Patients affected by the disease joined their families and staff at Inverclyde Royal's Ward F south, the oncology and haematology unit, for the Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser.

One of the volunteers who helped out was Kevin Maxwell who is in remission from cancer.

The 50-year-old of Dempster Street was keen to give something back as a thank you for the support he received while he was undergoing treatment.

Kevin said: "A few years ago I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, but I'm now in remission.

"If it wasn't for the charity and the IRH I don't know where I would have been.

"They are all angels.

"I got radiotherapy at the Beatson and chemotherapy at the IRH.

"They are pure brilliant, so I wanted to give something back because I'm so grateful."

Thanks to people's kind donations of delicious home baking and raffle prizes, the event raised £700.

Jacqueline Coyle, who is the Macmillan welfare rights advisor and works in partnership with Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership, says all the money raised will help people affected by cancer.

She said: "The day was a great success and year on year we have managed to exceed the previous year’s total raised.

"Donations of baking and raffle prizes came in from lots of different people which contributed to the success and amazing atmosphere on the day.

"It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of local people.

"The coffee morning seems to be a focal point on the ward and everyone looks forward to it.

"It's always well received by the patients, their families and staff."

Jacqueline was keen to thank everyone who helped out on the day especially Nichola Collins, Macmillan advice worker, and kind volunteers including Margaret Irvine, Kevin, Robert Fulton and Rachael Coyle, plus all who attended, including Provost Martin Brennan.