THE family of a Greenock grandfather have thanked a local hospice for ensuring that his final wish was granted.

James Farrell, 65, died at home a year after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He had returned from a holiday and taken ill and was being cared for at Ardgowan Hospice.

James' last request was to die at home with his family - and the staff at the hospice cared for him until he was well enough to return home to pass away there.

Now three years on his daughter Mia Farrell is determined to give back to the hospice.

Mia, 47, said: “The hospice and the family helped make his last wish come true and I can’t thank them enough.

“My dad was a huge family man, a doting husband to my mum Ann and grandfather and everyone loved him.

“He was the best dad.

"He always did everything for us and was always there to lend a hand.

“He was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and we lost him almost a year after he was diagnosed.

“Ardgowan Hospice were amazing, they really helped not only my dad but all of us.

“It was really difficult having him home and caring for him but it is what he wanted and we wouldn’t have had it any other way."

Mia has organised a music charity night in aid of Ardgowan in memory of her dad.

It takes place tonight at The Thistle Suite in Greenock.

She said: “The hospice staff were just amazing and I want to do something positive to thank them.

“I feel like I need to give back and because setting up events is something I am used to I decided to organise a night of live music.

“We are a very musical family - dad played guitar, keyboard and the mouth organ so I know this is the right thing to say thank-you, he would have loved it.”

All of the performers who have agreed to give their time to support the event have personal connections to the family.

Mia said: “The family are all on board and some are even coming from England for the event.

“My mum has been great, she has been a typical mum, out buying candles and gifts for the raffle and making up hampers to raise as much money as we can for the hospice.

"She has been brilliant.”

Mia also thanked The Willow Bar, Party at the Palace, the Bluebird Café, Cruden Hall and The Thistle Suite for their support.

* Tonight's event in The Thistle Suite starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available at the door.