A Largs man with terminal cancer would like to thank the Saltire Appeal for helping him spend one precious week with his family in their seafront accommodation in the town.

Jim Higgins, who lives in Anderson Court, has cancer as a result of inhalation of asbestos from his working days, and has approximately two to three months still to live.

Jim, who is originally from Paisley, is a well-kent face in the town, and has helped out at Largs Thistle F.C, and was delighted when Saltire charity director Les Ward, offered Jim and his family the opportunity to stay in the charity accommodation above The Moorings.

Jim's daughter, and grandchildren, live in Malta, and came across for a week before Christmas to spend some quality time together.

The 75 year old said: "I have lived in Largs for around twelve years, and the apartment is beautiful, and everything was laid on for the family. I just can't thank Les and the Saltire charity enough for our stay.

"I was self-employed working in the building industry for 40 years, and was diagnosed with cancer in June this year. The doctors would have to break my ribs in order to give me chemo, and there is nothing they can do. I couldn't travel to Malta to be with my family because my lungs couldn't take the pressure, so instead, my daughter, Nikki Attard, and two grandchildren, Saun, 10, and Max, 6, flew over here - they won't see me again, that is their last visit, as I am only expected to live for another two to three months at the most. I am not infirm, as I am full up of morphine.

"We stayed from 7th until 13th December, and it was fantastic, and we went up to Braehead on a few occasions. They had a great time, and the only thing they wanted to see was snow, so we were praying for a sprinkling, but it wasn't to be!

"However, thanks to the Saltire charity, we all had a wonderful time, and it was a very special week for me and my family, and they pulled out all the stops for us."

Jim has helped out at Largs Thistle FC with Pat Rall and Tommy Scoullar on the ground staff, and goes to see Thistle FC when he can on match days.

The Gillian Saltire appeal celebrated its tenth anniversary in the town this year, and provides respite accommodation in Largs for people who are suffering or recovering from cancer, with a range of fundraising activities in the town including the Cumbrae-Largs swim in September. The directors have announced that they are fundraising to purchase a second property in the town for the charity.