Largs community thanked after £440 raised for Dogs Trust

Classic car enthusiast and Largs local Charles McMurdo passed away on August 15 this year from shock after his varicose veins ruptured.

We previously told that the 68-year-old grandfather had to be put on a ventilator for four days after being one of the first people to test positive for Covid-19 in April 2020.

The former electrician, who had lived in Largs since he was five, made a miraculous recovery but had been suffering from symptoms of long Covid ever since.

Charlie McMurdo passed away in August this year (Image: Newsquest)

His wife Maureen spoke exclusively to the News, reflecting on the tragic day and the positive impact Charlie has had on the community.

'I never got to say goodbye'

She said: “I was away getting my hair cut down in Saltcoats and knew we needed stuff from B&M. I kept phoning him to ask what we needed and Charlie would always answer, but he never answered. I wish at this point I went home. 

"As soon I got home I saw ambulances and police cars, I thought there was an accident on the street, but soon realised it was at my house. I went to my door but paramedics wouldn't let me in. I felt so lost as I didn't know what to do.

“I later found out that Charlie knew something wasn’t right with himself, so he phoned the ambulance, opened the front door and shouted for help, but it was too late. He couldn’t be saved. I am heartbroken because I never got to say goodbye.

“I have since met the paramedic who worked on him and thanked her for everything. She said she was desperate to get him back to me.”

READ NEXT: Grandfather who beat coronavirus thanks medics who saved his life

And Maureen, who was married to Charlie for 29 years, was left speechless after the community in Largs donated £444.53 to the charity closest to his heart, Dogs Trust.

Maureen pictured with her grandson Owen (Image: Newsquest)

The 69-year-old added: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me since his death. I would like to especially thank postmen Ian Tate and Paul McCormack for their work in trying to help Charlie. I was so shocked that there were over 200 people who went to his funeral. Charlie loved his dogs and had them all his life, so it felt right to donate the money to Dogs Trust.

“He did everything for me and it has now hit me that I will have to do it myself. He was a gentle soul with the warmest smile who loved his town and the people. He would always say hello to anybody and loved involving himself in the community.

“He was actively involved with the Halkshill Bowling Club as he was the senior president and that was his second home. He loved organising the flowers for Halkshill Bowling club. He would grow flowers from seeds and would sit in the greenhouse for hours. He always enjoyed going to their events and having a laugh.

“We all loved him and will always miss him but I am glad that he was able to give back, even in death."

Kayleigh Maclean, supporter relations officer at Dogs Trust Glasgow, said: “From providing a safe kennel space or foster home for a dog in need, to finding them a loving new family - our work at Dogs Trust is only possible thanks to the generous donations we receive from the public, such as this made by the McMurdo family.  

“We are truly grateful for their kind donation in Mr McMurdo’s memory, which will go towards supporting our fabulous rescue dogs, and thank them for their support.”