A KIND jeweller came up with a sparkling idea to raise funds for a local charity in memory of her much-loved friend of three decades.

Heather Dowds, a community support officer for River Clyde Homes, held a raffle in aid of Ardgowan Hospice in her workplace and raised the terrific total of £1,150.

The avid hospice supporter wanted to honour friend and colleague of 34 years, Carol O'Docherty, who tragically passed away in 2019 from cancer.

The duo were regulars at hospice fundraisers over the years, including the much-loved Ladies Day they attended annually together with friends.

Carol, who was just 60 when she died, was supported by Ardgowan after her diagnosis, so Heather wanted was keen to donate to the charity in her name.

Heather, who lives in Gourock with daughter Beth, told the Tele: "Carol and I met on her first day in the office - we took the same lunch break, went shoe shopping together and the rest is history.

"Five years ago, we went to a Glasgow City College silver-making course in the morning and then went to Ladies Night for the hospice in Greenock Town Hall.

"During lockdown last year, I decided to return to silversmithing and my daughter Beth prompted me to start my small business, Hez Design."

Before Christmas, Heather donated four items of jewellery to the RCH staff raffle and says shre was overwhelmed with the support received.

She told the Tele: "Carol was so well-loved at River Clyde Homes.

"I was thrilled at how much we raised, I had originally set the target at £200.

"The whole experience of doing a raffle over Skype was good fun too.

"I'm delighted to be able to give this money to the hospice in Carol's memory."

Bernadette Coombes, River Clyde Homes housing officer, was one of the lucky winners of a handcrafted tie pin.

She said: "The raffle was brilliant and we are all delighted to have been able to support Ardgowan in memory of Carol."

On hand to accept the donation from Heather and the River Clyde Homes team was Ardgowan fundraising officer, Elaine McNeill.

Elaine said: "Carol was much-loved and is greatly missed by all who knew her, including her colleagues at River Clyde Homes.

"We are so grateful to the team for digging deep and supporting the hospice during what is the most difficult year the hospice has ever faced.

"We really appreciate Heather and the team going to this effort and hope to see her back at one of our events soon."