A GOLFER who lost her brother to cancer teed up a charity event to raise over £2,000 for Ardgowan Hospice.

Helen Gunn, a member of Gourock Golf Club, held a private function to support a charity which is close to her heart.

Supported by clubhouse manager Stephen Mackie and catering manager Ashleigh Reid, Helen served up a ladies lunch in aid of nurses who support patients at home.

The event included a lunch, a DJ set and singing from club members Craig Gibson and Craig Johnson and a raffle and proved a big success.

She said: "The main aim of the lunch was to fund the community nurses who help and support patients at home when they are very ill.

"We chose Ardgowan as they offer the service across Inverclyde.

“We would like to thank the club for allowing us to use the clubhouse and all the facilities and make it such a special event. “

Helen has witnessed the care the charity offers at first hand as her late brother Nicol Skinner was supported by the hospice in his final illness.

She and her sister-in-law Maureen raised more than £4,000 for the hospice on the first anniversary of his death in 2002.

Allison Brown, Ardgowan community nurse specialist, who spoke at the lunch, is delighted with the funds.

She said: "Our team of trained specialist nurses is out visiting people every day.

"We work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide supportive care to those people living with life limiting illnesses and their families and carers in the community.

"This could be advice on treatments, symptom management or emotional support.

“The funds raised by Gourock Golf Club could fund 10 visits to four patients and their families in Inverclyde.”

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From left to right; Linda McEnhill, hospice chief executive officer, Alison Brown, community nurse specialist, Helen Gunn, Stephen Mackie clubhouse manager at Gourock Golf Club, Ashleigh Reid catering manager at Gourock Golf Club