A GOUROCK man kept a poignant promise by running a marathon in memory of his much loved cousin.

Newly qualified lawyer Jamie Devlin had pledged himself to take on the 26-mile run and cross the finish line for a cause close to his heart - Ardgowan Hospice.

Jamie was only 13-years-old when his hero, relative Chris Devlin, lost his battle with cancer at the age of just 24.

A highly regarded football coach, who was affectionately known as 'Tiger', he had worked in Connecticut in the USA, where there a park was named after him.

Jamie, now 26, from Reservoir Road, said: "The hospice has touched so many lives in Inverclyde and we will never forget the kindness they showed to my family.

"I was only 13 when Chris died but my family has always remembered the way the hospice cared for him.

"I had always said I wanted to do a marathon and I wanted to do it for a cause like the hospice.

Jamie signed up for this year's Edinburgh Marathon, putting in the training before joining the starting line up in May.

He finished in an impressive three hours and 12 minutes, bagging more than £600 for the hospice.

The former St Columba's High pupil, who studied at Strathclyde University, said: "I have just finished my training and qualified as a solicitor, so I thought this was a good time to do the marathon.

"I can now tick it off my to-do list!"

Chris passed away in January 2007 after fighting illness and in the aftermath of his death his family and friends raised thousands of pounds in tribute to him.

On the day of the marathon Jamie was cheered on by his family, including mum Liz, dad Graham, older sister Claire and brother-in-law Michael.

He added: "I just want to encourage people to raise as much money as they can for the Ardgowan Hospice.

"It is so important to help."