Family are gearing up to take on a charity cycle in memory of their beloved dad

John Joseph Hunt, who worked in the local shipyards and later at the Knights of St Columba social club as a barman, passed away earlier this year at the age of 75 from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.

The COPD unit at Inverclyde Hospital provided equipment which allowed John to live comfortably in his own home so that he did not have to stay in hospital for prolonged periods of time.

His granddaughter Emily Davis, 21, says he is sorely missed.

She told the Tele: “My granda had a great sense of humour and was a big family man and a big Celtic fan.

"Even with his illness he would always be willing to listen and give great advice.

“The staff at the COPD unit were always willing to help and whenever they went to my gran and granda's house they were always very friendly.

“They provided support to not only my granda but also to my gran, by giving her advice and help in whatever way they could.”

In a bid to give something back to the unit they have planned a family charity cycle for later this month.

Emily, Lynn Davis, Kirsty Hunt, Mick Gatens, Leslie Hunt and Donna Mulgrew will cycle around Millport on Saturday in a bid to raise as much as they can.

Emily said: “We wanted to show our appreciation and give back to the unit in the hope that they can continue to help others in the community.

“We chose Millport as it was something we could all do and we wanted as many members of the family as possible to be able to get involved.

“We are all keen walkers already so chose to do a sponsored cycle as we would be out of our comfort zones and it would be a challenge.

“I think he would be really proud of us as family meant a lot to him and he was really grateful to the unit for the support they provided.

“We are looking forward to it because it will be in memory of my granda and also because it will be a family event in his name.

"We are hoping to raise as much as we can for the unit.”

Family members including John's wife Rachel, have already been knitting and making tablet, macaroon and raspberry ruffles to sell and it is hoped that with the money from that and the sponsored cycle they will raise £1,000 for the unit.

So far they have collected £530 and are well on their way to making their target.

Emily said: “We are really pleased with the amount we have raised so far and we are so grateful for all of the support we have already received."