More than £3,600 is going to a dementia charity in Paisley after people paid their respects to a well-known plumber from the town.
The money flowed in following the funeral last May of Gerry Woods, who died aged 90.
Many years earlier, his wife Anne received great care from the Alzheimer Scotland centre in Riccartsbar Avenue.
Anne had been diagnosed aged just 58 and staff at the base gave support to her and provided respite care to give Gerry some time off.
And great granddad Gerry never forgot it.
His daughter Laura Pervaiz said: “We are very thankful so many people took the time to
contribute.
“Mum died 21 years ago and we used the Paisley service for respite for my dad.
“Ever since, then he was always an avid supporter as it was a huge help to him.
“For over five years before she went into full-time care, both mum and dad benefited.
“There was so much emotional support and, even after she went into care, they still kept in touch.
“Before he died, my dad specifically said he wanted money to go to them.”
The total given to Alzheimer Scotland in Paisley was £3,640, including Gift Aid.
It was well over the £1,000 the family had hoped for.
Gerry founded his plumbing firm G Woods in 1960 and his son Gerry Jnr continues to run it.
Laura, her sisters Angela, Elaine and brother Gerry, are delighted at the total raised.
She added: “There was lots and lots of donations into the JustGiving appeal.
“Many people obviously could not go to the funeral, so it was the only way people could really show their respect.
“Dad became such a great advocate of the charity and I just want to thank everyone on his behalf.”
Carolyn Irvine, dementia advisor at Alzheimer Scotland in Paisley, says donations are now even more vital than ever due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
She said: “Our centre in Paisley serves the whole of Renfrewshire and the day centre service and groups provide much needed respite to carers.
“At this moment in time, it’s even more difficult to provide our services due to lockdown restrictions.”
