THE big-hearted family of a much-missed local man are raising funds for two great causes in his memory.
Award-winning basketball coach Bob Taft passed away in February following a short and brave battle with cancer.
Members of the Greenock man's family have now teamed up to raise money in his honour, which will help people across Inverclyde and beyond.
Bob's niece Gillian O'Neill has organised a charity night which will take place at the Cruden Hall on August 26 and Gillian's husband Mick O'Neill will join Bob's nephews, Stewart Taft and Martin Orr, on a five-day trek along the West Highland Way.
The determined trio plan to traverse the route over five days, starting on September 4 and finishing on September 9.
The online sponsorship JustGiving page for the walk has already raised more than £1,200.
Money raised in memory of Bob will be shared equally between Jericho House in Greenock and Accord Hospice in Paisley.
Gillian said Bob's family feel very proud to be paying tribute to the legendary sports coach in this way.
She said: "We just want to raise as much as possible for these great charities.
"We try to do something for Jericho House every year.
"My uncle Stewart works there and we all know how much amazing work they do.
"We want to thank the hospice too, for the care they provided to my uncle Bob and to my aunt Joan.
"My uncle was in the hospice for a couple of months before he passed and my aunt received amazing care from the team there afterwards."
READ MORE: Tributes to legendary Greenock basketball coach Bob Taft
Bob was born in Greenock in February 1956, the first of six children to Robert and Roberta.
He first picked up a basketball when he was 11 and went on to be the youngest member of a Renfrewshire Cup-winning team.
Bob went on to play in high profile tournaments across Scotland and the UK and was renowned as a tough defender and a brilliant three-point shooter.
The dedicated sportsman was playing right up until his cancer diagnosis at the age of 65.
Gillian said her uncle was always passionate about basketball and about encouraging youngsters to get involved in it.
She added: "He loved his basketball.
"He was full of life and a real joker and had this really infectious laugh.
"He really was the life and soul. You always heard him before you saw him.
"He was a huge presence and we all miss him so much."
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Tickets for the Cruden Hall charity night, which starts at 7.30pm, are £12.50.
The night will feature a DJ, hot buffet, raffles and party games.
Donations of raffle prizes are welcome.
To find out more about the night and about donating contact Gillian on gillian_oneill@hotmail.co.uk
To donate to the walking challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westhighlandway23
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