The family of a much loved community stalwart have paid tribute to him by donating money to the hospice

David Adams, a devoted teacher, husband, father, grandfather, neighbour and community champion, passed away on September 17 after a short battle against lung cancer.

Throughout his life David, of Rannoch Road in Wemyss Bay, always put others first.

Even when he was ill he decided that money raised from a special party night his family organised should be donated the hospice.

His daughters Esther Coyle and Beverley Adams and her partner Robert Higgins and their daughter Jessica, have now presented the hospice with a cheque for £2,479 which included money raised from the party and from a collection at David's funeral.

Beverley said the party was very uplifting as her dad had the chance to see all his family and friends.

He passed away just two days afterwards, at the age of 70.

Beverley said: "My dad was so well known in the community and people were keen to see him but they weren't sure how to go about it, so we decided to organise a night for him so everybody could see him.

"We chose a fundraiser for Ardgowan Hospice because it relies on donations.

"At the party my dad was in his element - he decided that he didn't want to come into the party in his wheelchair so ordered a sack barrow trolley and built it up himself so he came into the party on that.

"He was there for hours chatting to everyone.

"Somebody provided the buffet for free and a lot of local businesses donated prizes.

"I think my dad was taken aback by it and he seen it as an opportunity to say goodbye."

David, who was a full-time carer for wife Shauna who has multiple sclerosis, was a maths teacher at Notre Dame High for 25 years.

Beverley said: "He already done some volunteering in the community but when he retired that's when it really took off.

"He would do anything and everything - he was involved with the community centre, community council and community association.

"My dad would chat to anybody about everything."

Robert added: "He was a local handyman - if you needed something done he would be there to help."

David, a grandfather of eight, threw himself into all aspects of village life and was at the centre of big events such as the Christmas lights switch on and gala da.

He even had a 'big blue bus' which he used to take groups of kids to the youth club in Inverkip .

He was also known for making a number of rope swings in the woods and outdoor learning areas for the local nursery tots.

David would spend hours ensuring that the local paths and trees were safe throughout the community.

At the end of July, David was suddenly diagnosed with incurable lung cancer.

During his illness, staff from the hospice came out to see David to offer support.

He stayed at home but his family say it was a comfort to know that help was available.

In a poignant tribute, David posthumously won 'Volunteer of the Year' award at Reach for the Stars - the Inverclyde Community Awards.

On the night, a special presentation, prepared by one of the community council members, was shown to the audience with tributes from David's many friends within the community.

Stuart Craig, a former chair of Wemyss Bay Community Association, said: "David's selfless commitment to the association and the time he spent keeping the community centre running was an inspiration."

Eileen Virtue, chair of Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council, said: "David was a long standing stalwart of our community Council.

"He was always a caring and passionate advocate for the concerns and interests of our residents, actively pursuing solutions to problems and working with our Inverclyde councillors, MSP and MP and the village groups on improvements that benefit our villages."

Allison Love of Tiny Tots child care said: "David attended Wemyss Bay toddlers group for many years and brought his grandchildren but also helped and volunteered in many ways.

"His help was invaluable.

"David was the first and only person we called when we were unsure or needed any help.

"He went the extra mile for us, he never in that time said no even though he had commitments at home."

David's family say they have taken strength and comfort from the support they have received from the local community.

Alex Mula, a fundraising officer from Ardgowan Hospice, has thanked the family for the donation made in honour of David.

He said: "We're really grateful, as this money could fund four nights in the in-patient unit for a patient and their family to get dedicated care.

"It will make a huge difference."