A CHARITY set up in memory of a Saltcoats woman who died from cancer is going from strength to strength.

Marion’s Still Smiling was launched by Marion Callaghan’s family following her death last summer.

Money raised will be spent providing short breaks for people with terminal cancer and their families.

Marion, 61, and her family went on several breaks during her illness and her husband Terry said the time away was invaluable.

The offshore worker added: “Getting away gave Marion a chance to get over what was very gruelling treatment and it just gave us a chance to be together as a family.

“We were fortunate to be able to do that but lots of people with terminal cancer are not financially in a position to manage it.

“We called the fundraising organisation Marion’s Still Smiling because we know Marion would be so happy to be able to help other people who were in the same position as she was.” Crosshouse and Ayr Hospitals are supporting Marion’s Still Smiling and staff there will refer patients for the funded trips.

Three venues – Seamill Hydro, the Auchrannie resort on Arran and Piperdam resort near Dundee – have been earmarked for mini-breaks.  A dance held recently in Ardrossan Civic Centre raised more than £9,000 for Marion’s Still Smiling and other events including an afternoon tea party, a nail painting stall, a car boot sale, a bake sale and 10k sponsorship have boosted the fund.

Terry, 49, said many local businesses have got on board, generously providing raffle prizes for Marion’s Still Smiling events.

He added: “The support so far has been fantastic, especially when there are so many other charities and good causes out there.

"Locally, we are fortunate to have the Ayrshire Hospice and Macmillan working closely and supporting people with cancer.

"Our charity will come into play for patients while they are still able to have some tine away.” There are already several fundraising events for the charity planned for this year.

A race night will be held at the Accies Club in Ardrossan on April 4.

An It’s A Knockout style assault course is planned for the nearby Ardrossan  playing fields on June 20.

And Terry hopes a ball at the Seamill Hydro on September 18 will be a major fundraiser.

He said: ”This money will make a real difference to people with terminal cancer living in the west of Scotland.

“We are working with the hospitals and hope to send the first patients on a Marion’s Still Smiling break soon.” For more information, or to donate to Marion’s Still Smiling, see the Facebook page or www.marionsstillsmiling.co.uk.