On its tenth anniversary, the directors of the Gillian's Saltire Appeal have announced that they are hoping to buy a second property in Largs to help people recover from cancer.

Directors Les Ward, David Ennis and Bryan Tracey want to make a special thank you to everyone who has contributed to the charity, no matter how large or small, and revealed that they have now raised in excess of £300,000 since the charity started.

The appeal was set up in 2005 to commemorate the memory of Les Ward's wife, Gillian, who passed away from breast cancer, and on the day of her funeral, the image of saltire appeared in the sky through plane vapour, and ended up being the symbol of the charity.

Gillian died of breast cancer, and her parents, Elsie and John Scott of Thirdpark Farm, are both very proud of the charity's work.

There have been a huge range of fundraising events over the years including the annual Saltire swim from Cumbrae to Largs, with this year's event reaching the record breaking total of £11,600 after over 90 swimmers took part.

David Ennis said: "The support has been unbelievable, it has almost been from every quarter you could imagine. The first thing we want to do is recognise that Largs has been absolutely tremendous, and without the community, we couldn't have done anything.

"We originally bought a flat in Waterside Street, but we sold that, and we have now bought a flat at The Moorings - it has magnificent views, and over the last ten years, we have been working up to that. The objective now of the trustees is to buy a second flat.

"We have around 50 clients a year at the moment, and we hope to double that amount with the introduction of a second flat."

Les Ward said: "Some of these people recovering from cancer come with their families, friends or on their own, and people just want to come here for a rest."

The charity has close links to the Maggies Centres - Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends - built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, Maggie’s Centres are places with professional staff on hand to offer the support people need, and often send people down to the Saltire charity house in Fort Street to allow them to recover and recuperate.

The Beatson West of Scotland cancer centre oncology hospital also send patients to the seaside property, with two bedrooms, which is free for those on the road to recovery from cancer to use - providing a fresh perspective and sea air, and a chance to enjoy the benefits that Largs can provide.

Les added: "The partnership with the Maggie's Centres must be around ten years as well, and they allocate individuals to come to the flat, and schedule the appointments, so it makes our work easier. It is nice to see the joining of two charities with similar goals to help people with cancer, and their carers."

The directors would like to specially thank Jimmy and Janet Muir, John Burleigh for organising the swim, Robert and Alison Armstrong from The George, and Sam Torrance, who opened the flat in Waterside Street, and has donated items for auctions.

Les added: "Our charity now belongs to the people of Largs, you can reach out and touch it, go and see the flat at Waterside Street, and see the work that has been done."

Others thanked included Halkshill Bowling Club, local schools including Kelburn Primary, and many more for their work in supporting the charity.

Les said: "Gillian was such a well liked person and highly thought of, and this is the result - ten years later, in her memory, we have had 400 guests staying in that flat.

"So many people have helped out - cyclists from Lands End to John O Groats, people swimming across Clyde, jumping off aeroplanes, and Strictly Come Dancing.

"When you see 100 people entering the Clyde for your charity, it is very special, and quite emotional.

Another director, Brian Tracey, said he was astonished by how the charity had grown from day one, and said it had been an 'amazing journey with amazing people'.

David added: "We have had swims, songs, walks, bikes, people who have undressed for the Calendar Girls, poets, you name it, we've had it! I feel quite humble when you see primary school children raise funds for Gillian's Saltire Appeal. We have had help from churches, masonic lodges, bowling clubs and it has come from every quarter, and allowed us to have this accommodation with a wonderful vista of the coast, for people recovering from cancer, who can escape for a few days and relax.

"The people of Largs have been amazing, and the trustees have now got together, and we are targeting a second flat in the next couple of years. It is exciting times ahead for Gillian's Saltire Appeal."