FAMILY and friends of a popular West Kilbride man who died after suffering a massive stroke on New Year's Day have cycled around Cumbrae in his memory.

Emma Mullen, 17, organised the sponsored cycle in aid of the Stroke Association in memory of her dad James, who worked in the village’s Nisa store.

On January 1 seven years ago, James suffered a massive stroke, leaving him unable to work and with very poor mobility.

He passed away last July aged 54 from a heart attack, and family and friends got on their bikes one year on to raise vital funds for the charity.

Emma says as well as raising cash, she wants to let people know that strokes can happen at any age - and have serious consequences for the rest of your life.

Emma explained: “I really just wanted to raise awareness and help other people who are living in the same situation as my dad was.

“It was awful to see his condition every day compared to how he used to be. It was truly heartbreaking for everyone.

“I want to highlight that even young people like my dad, who was only in his 40s, can have strokes. Nobody is immune.

“I also want to raise funds to help support others who have survived a stroke and to fund research to help save lives and improve recoveries."

Emma and 15 of her friends and family got their wheels turning in memory of her dad as they circled the island.

She said: “We thought it would be an enjoyable day out and it was very special.

“I think my dad would have had a good laugh watching over us trying to cycle around the whole of Cumbrae.

“The day went so well and we all had a good time, despite the weather which wasn’t the best but we made the most of it.

“It was really nice to have so much support and for people to turn out in my dad’s memory.”

Emma is still counting the donations after the successful cycle.

She added: “A rough estimate is that we’ve raised about £700, which I'm very happy with."

You can still donate in memory of James at www.gofundme.com/f/stroke-association-uk