AN ENTIRE Inverclyde village has rallied and is set to go the extra mile in a touching tribute to a much-loved local man who tragically passed away at the age of just 49.

Friends and family of popular John Bennett, of Kilmacolm, were left devastated last year when he died suddenly due to an unknown heart condition.

John was stalwart supporter of Ardgowan Hospice and frequently took part in fundraising challenges for the charity.

Those close to much-missed John are planning to honour his memory with a sponsored walk from Milngavie to Drymen and a charity night at Punto, with the proceeds going to the Ardgowan cause John gave up so much of his time to support.

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Their donation drive has already attracted support from across Kilmacolm and Inverclyde, with more than 60 fantastic prizes being donated for the raffle that will take place on the night.

Greenock Telegraph: John Bennett

Stevie McKeown, a close friend of John’s who has helped organise the special event, told the Tele his late pal’s sudden passing had been a huge blow to the local community.

Stevie said: “I’ve lived in Kilmacolm 40-odd years, and I’ve never known the village to rally round something the way they have with this event.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say every business in the village has got involved with this.

“It’s the embodiment of community spirit and it’s been inspired by John.

“Punto have been fantastic, the manageress Anna Ferguson and her whole team have helped me for months with this.

“They’ve been absolutely amazing, and Anna is a star.

“John was a very good friend of mine but anyone who knew him would say you couldn’t meet a nicer person.”

Greenock Telegraph: Fundraising walk and event in memory of John Bennett

More than £1,500 has already been raised, but the event’s organisers are aiming to haul that total even higher this weekend.

Stevie and the other organisers are expecting a turnout of at least 40 people to take part in the 12-mile sponsored walk, which will start at 11am on Douglas Street in Milngavie. 

The group will travel up and back in four minibuses which have been donated free of charge by local firm ABC Taxis.

After returning to the village the group will then be joined by many other locals for a fun night in Punto which will kick-off at 8pm and include a raffle and 'favours auction'. 

Among the prizes that will be on offer are a football signed by the entire Greenock Morton first team, a Rangers strip signed by captain James Tavernier and a prize donated by Celtic player Matt O’Riley.

Scores of local businesses have also donated vouchers and other gifts which will be raffled off for the hospice.

Stevie said supporting the hospice had always been something John was passionate about.

Greenock Telegraph: Fundraising walk and event in memory of John Bennett

He added: “He did multiple bungee jumps, abseils, zip cords off of cranes all in aid of Ardgowan Hospice, he was forever helping them.

“The inspiration and the motivation for this is John, he walked the walk when it came to being a decent person and a kind human being there’s no shadow of a doubt.

“He was kind, humble, a loving family man who was just the absolute epitome of a good human being and a good friend.

“That sentiment has been echoed across Inverclyde many times in recent months.

“He actually did an event for them just a few weeks before he suddenly and tragically died on December 5 last year.

“He was a fit and healthy man who was just 49 years of age.

“John was a humble man and he would have been overwhelmed by the individual and collective response to this and I know his family are.

“This is a legacy of his, we’ll make this an annual event, I hope.

“I feel I’m talking on behalf of anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing John when I say this.

“He was an inspiration, this’ll be a special day for a special cause in memory of a very special guy.”

Those wishing to support the fundraiser are asked to visit https://tinyurl.com/nfkmk56v.