Hospice nurse who set up a movement to stop people in Inverclyde from dying alone is in line for a top national award

Inspirational Alison Bunce has established an army of companions who volunteer to sit with Inverclyde Royal patients in their final hours.

Her pioneering 'No-one dies Alone' (or NODA) project is part of her award winning Compassionate Inverclyde charity - the first of its kind in Scotland - which helps people in the community to care for one another.

Now Alison is one of three women shortlisted for a UK 'Community Hero' award thanks to a nomination from volunteer Muriel Searl MBE, herself a charity champion.

Retired nurse Muriel said: "I was inspired to volunteer with Alison after hearing for myself the difference it makes.

"It is a wonderful idea to make sure that there are people who can go and sit with someone.

"Maybe their families need a few hours break, or they live far away or they don't have anyone at all.

"Alison is a very special lady and I just felt that she should be recognised for what she does."

In the last two weeks alone the 'Noda' project has sat by the bedside of five patients in Inverclyde who were passing away.

They are available in places like Orchard View, the Larkfield Unit and on the wards at Inverclyde Royal.

Alison has over 60 active volunteers on hand to step in, including Muriel, who was honoured herself by the Queen for her work with children's charity Dreamflight.

Palliative care expert Alison, 56, said: "Compassionate Inverclyde is about ordinary people helping ordinary people.

"It has just worked so well here.

"We never expected the response we have had.

"I am so privileged to be nominated for this award."

To find out how to vote for Alison visit www.womanandhome.com/amazing-women-awards/