Disabled Greenock woman with cancer finally gets own home

Brave mum Rona McClure was forced to move into Larkfield View when the decision was taken to close a specialist unit for adults with complex disabilities and she was left with nowhere else to go.

Since then the 44-year-old has suffered a series of devastating setbacks in her bid to live independently before finally moving into a purpose built flat.

She was given keys to her flat in September 2022 but was unable to move because she couldn't get the care package she needed.

Rona McClure in new house (Image: George Munro)

Rona's life changed forever in 2018 when she collapsed while on a bus going to work one day and was left paralysed from cancerous tumours found in her spine.

Now as she enjoys her new found independence Rona is also facing up to more treatment for Myeloma cancer.

Rona, who now lives in a new flat in MacLehose Court, said: "I am loving living in my new flat. It is great being able to go out and about, get into town, see my friends and have my family come to visit.

"Don't get me wrong I still have good days and bad days. My mental health is up and down. There are times I can barely get up, every single day I lived in constant pain.

"It was a real blow to be told I needed treatment for cancer again and that is tough. They have to stop chemo because of my blood levels. I am getting radiotherapy.

"But it helps being here in my flat with my independence."

Rona McClure (Image: George Munro)

Back in February 2020 we reported that Rona was left alone in the former MacLehose Court care home as all the residents were moved elsewhere.

Rona feared that she was going to end up homeless, as attempts to find her her own house had fallen through.

At the height of the pandemic she was put in Larkfield View Care Home where she has remained ever since.

After a few failed attempts at getting a house Rona was given the news she was waiting for a flat in MacLehose Court, the unit she had lived in previously which has now been converted into accessible flats.

But the mum-of-one who is originally from Kilmacolm was forced to remain in the care home because there was no package in place for the intensive care she needs.

Earlier this year she was given the green light after HSCP bosses arranged for Home Instead to provide her care.

Rona said: "I would never have been able to do this without the Larkfield View care manager Elsie who fought for me. They even helped me move and stayed to settle me in.

"I always wanted Home Instead, my care workers are incredible every single one of them. I want to thank them and Elsie for everything they have done for me.

"But mostly I want to thank my mum Margaret. I don't know where I would be without her."