Kind Greenock couple raise almost £5,000 for Ardgowan Hospice - by giving up wedding gifts

Ross Kelly from Greenock married soulmate Gail Anderson at Arta in Glasgow, surrounded by close family and friends.

But rather than receive presents they wanted a good cause to benefit from their wedding day.

Their selfless act has raised £4,548 for the hospice and they are thrilled the money will help patients.

Gail said: "Our wedding went really well.

"Things went off without a hitch and we have lots of things to remember the day by.

"We're really happy to raise that amount for the hospice.

"Our initial target was £1,000 so it was nice to see that people really wanted to donate money to the hospice.

"We're really happy with the total."

The couple, both 30, say Ardgowan Hospice is close to their hearts.

Around two years ago, Ross's grandfather Ian McPhail, who was also known as John, was due to receive end of life care at Ardgowan.

He sadly passed away the evening before going into the hospice however the patient and family support team had been working alongside other health professionals to support him.

Gail said: "We felt that we included him on our wedding day.

"Even though he didn't go to the hospice, they offered a lot of support regardless of whether he was there or not.

"I know quite a few people who have family members or friends who have been supported by the hospice."

Elaine McNeill from the hospice fundraising team at the hospice says every penny of the money raised from the couple's wedding will support families in Inverclyde.

She said: "It's a really selfless thing to do.

"We gratefully appreciate it.

"It's just so lovely."

Ross, who works in marketing at Arnold Clark, and Gail, who works in procurement, are now planning their honeymoon later this year.

Gail said: "We're going away to the west coast of America."

The newlyweds are keen to thank everyone who donated money for the hospice and thank www.dommartin.co.uk for the photography.