A MUCH-LOVED woman who died suddenly has inspired a £4,000 fundraising campaign which will save lives in her memory.

Generous residents at John Galt House, and their families, gathered the sum and have used part of it to buy a defibrillator in memory of Catherine Blakeway, who was a stalwart at the complex.

Wardens Fiona McWilliams and Mary MacIssac arranged a summer fete and used part of the the proceeds in conjunction with St John Ambulance to purchase the life-saving piece of equipment.

Catherine tragically passed away of a cardiac arrest at the age of only 57.

Greenock Telegraph:

Her daughter Elizabeth and wider family gathered at the complex on Duncan Street as Allan Pike, of St John's Scotland, gave a demonstration showing how to use the device.

Warden Fiona said: "Catherine was part of the John Galt family, she delivered the newspapers here for 15 years and also volunteered helping out with our bingo nights and parties.

"Her mum Bridget lived in John Galt House, so she was always here visiting her until she passed away in 2021.

"Catherine had a great sense of humour, she was really bubbly.

"We wanted to install a defibrillator in her memory, for the benefit of the whole community.

"We don't know if that would have saved Catherine, but it could save something else's life."

Elizabeth and her three daughters, Chantelle, 22, Sophia, seven, and Freya, six, and other members of Catherine's family gathered at the event.

Catherine lived in Ann Street and was well-known in the area.

Fiona said: "She loved her bingo and helped out at the Navy Club. She'd been at John Galt, longer than me or Mary.

"We still just think she is going to walk back in here."

Elizabeth, 39, said: "The girls at John Galt House have been great and have helped quite a bit since mum passed away. We are still in shock at it."

Greenock Telegraph:

The complex, which is run by River Clyde Homes, also donated £1,000 to Ardgowan Hospice from the fundraising drive, which was gratefully accepted by staff nurse Amy Brown.

This was in memory of popular former John Galt resident Margaret Hamill, who held a birthday party every year in aid of charity from she was 95 until she died last year at the age of 102.

Fiona said: "Margaret was a special lady who always asked for a donation in lieu of gifts on the day. It was lovely to see her son Peter at the summer fete."