A MUM-of-two battling incurable cancer has paid tribute to some special friends who have helped her family raise almost £30k for Ardgowan Hospice.

Jennifer McNeill from Gourock has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from the community after her husband Kevin went on a month-plus long 150-mile run to say thank-you to the charity for how they have looked after her.

Some of the gestures to touch her heart included a friend turning her 50th birthday party into a fundraising bash for the Ardgowan appeal.

Then her children's nursery organised two special events to play their part too.

Jennifer, who has a three-year-old daughter, Millie, and one-year-old son, Aidan, said: "Our nursery, Madeira, have been an amazing support for our children during this difficult time and they felt they wanted to do something to help.

"They held a teddy bears picnic and a movie night and some kids came dressed up others in their pyjamas.

"It was so cute and there was even a raffle with lots of businesses donating.

"It was like a proper trip to the cinema for the children.

"They were buying tickets as well as having popcorn, juice and there was pizza kindly provided free by Domino’s."

Back in February we reported on her husband Kevin's bid to raise money by running during lent to raise awareness of the hospice and its services.

Jennifer, 32, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer which has since spread to her spine in July last year.

Since then she has had life-saving treatment at Ardgowan as well as a couple of stays to help with pain management.

The hospice has also offered lifeline emotional and practical support for the family, which inspired Kevin and Jennifer to launch their collection campaign.

Jennifer's pal Julie Ann Robertson turned her 50th birthday into a big bash in aid of the appeal, with a race night and raffle.

Jennifer said: "Julie Ann said she wanted to do something but just felt helpless, so she organised a big race night disco and her employer doubled what we made at the race night.

"She organised a beautiful big marquee and it was a dress to impress theme with ladies wearing fascinators.

"We are so grateful for all the effort everyone has put in for such a great cause."