A HOLIDAY home for cancer patients has been refurbished and will reopen in time for the Easter weekend.

The Gillian Saltire Appeal’s flat in Largs has been transformed in to a stunning modern haven for those suffering or recovering from cancer.

The charity has offered the respite property for free for almost 12 years and trustees felt it was time for a fresh look for their guests.

Trustees Les Ward, David Ennis and Bryan Tracey set up the charity after Les wife lost her battle with cancer.

David said: “The charity is going in to its twelfth year and all the furniture we had in the flat was second hand or donated, so it really was time to freshen the place up.”

“Altogether I think the revamp has cost us about £9,000, which we were able to pay for just from donations to the charity.”

Bryan added: “We have pulled everything out and replaced it all, it really is looking great now.”

Charity volunteers, Jane Tracey, Julie Trowel and Joanne McIntyre were instrumental in designing the interior of the flat.

Jane said: “We tried to source everything locally because of all the help everyone in the town has gave the charity over the years, we wanted to give something back to them.”

Les explained how grateful he was for all the donations given to the charity over the years, that have allowed them to keep the flat running and refurbish it.

He said: “We would never be where we are without the support of the town, they have really got behind the charity and we couldn’t even single one person, business or school out, it has really been a whole community effort to raise money over the years.”

“People are directed to us from Maggie’s charity in Glasgow, as we can offer people a wee break, that they don’t have to pay for.

Maggie’s charity provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends, and therefore is able to offer the Gillian Saltire holiday home as a break for these people.

As the chosen charities for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open last year, over £40,000 was donated to be split between the Gillian Saltire appeal and Maggie’s Charity.

Les added: “All of the money raised goes completely in to the charity we don’t take any of the money for ourselves or have any material compensation.”

“We get around 50 visitors a year, so we have had over 500 guests over the years and always get really positive feedback, I have a book of cards from people just thanking us.”

Les added: “People can come alone, with family or with friends, it’s really up to them, we are open to whatever.

The aim of the charity is to simply make a difference to the lives of individuals who suffer from cancer and at the same time honour a fine lady, that was Les wife.