KIND churchgoers have answered the prayers of Ardgowan Hospice with a cash boost as it works to reduce a £100,000 shortfall.

The Tele revealed earlier this week how the charity is facing a cash crisis because a string of lucrative events have been shelved due to the coronavirus.

Bosses say they now need the public's help more than ever to keep their vital services running.

Lyle Kirk parishioners recently held a hugely successful Burns Supper which raised over £2,165 for the hospice and have now handed the cash over as the financial fightback begins.

Event organiser Alasdair Hendry said: "We raised the money a few weeks ago, but after seeing the Tele's headline about the impact the virus was having on the hospice, we knew we had to hand it over as soon as possible.

"It was great as we had local sponsors, so all the tickets takings - which were priced at £20 each - were able to go straight to the hospice."

Alasdair, a much-respected local solicitor with Blair & Bryden, organised the event - which drew around 100 attendees - alongside fellow church member Jimmy Crawford.

On the evening, Alasdair delivered the 'toast to the lassies' with other familiar local faces, including butcher Drew McKenzie and singer Alan Beck, participating in the entertainment.

Guests enjoyed a traditional Scottish meal of cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps and tatties and biscuits to finish.

Alasdair's wife Carine, pictured delivering the cheque to the hospice, is also a member of the church community and was delighted to take part in the Burns bash.

Alasdair added: "It really benefitted everyone as it allowed us to raise funds for a vital service that almost everyone has been touched by, but it gave the congregation an opportunity to socialise outside the usual Sunday service."

The kind donation comes at a time of need for the hospice, which has also had to shut its five charity shops because of the current public health emergency.

Ardgowan fundraising officer Joanna Hunter said: "We are delighted that members of the Lyle Kirk raised such an amazing amount of money for hospice care. "These are unprecedented times for us when it comes to fundraising, so we are really grateful to the event organisers for thinking on us."