A PORT Glasgow woman who went sober for a month has raised hundreds of pounds to help people with cancer.

Lynda McCahill, took on the Sober October challenge for Ardgowan Hospice as she was aware of their work with people in the community with life-limiting illnesses.

Lynda, 55, says she knows families who have been helped by the hospice so it was an easy decision to pick the organisation, report the Greenock Telegraph.

She said: “I struggled at first because I had a lot of parties and family events including two engagements, a 50th and a baby shower.

“Any time I was at an event I just had to think about all the support the hospice has given not only to people I know but other people in the community.”

Lynda approached local businesses and told them about her challenge to raise extra sponsorship.

By the end of the month Lynda had raised £600.

She said: “I went around the shops and told them about what I was doing and that it was all for a good cause.

“Everyone was so supportive and I can’t thank them enough.

"I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support and donations.”

Lynda has thanked staff at Char Le Maine, Amethyst, Bet Fred, Jess Butcher, Blair and Bryden and Semichem plus all the girls at her bingo on Tuesday and Sunday and friends and family who sponsored her.

Elaine McNeill, hospice fundraising officer, thanked Lynda for choosing to support the hospice.

She said: “Doing this is no mean feat.

"Lynda is really sociable and had many events so it really was a challenge but she stuck to it.

“She has raised an incredible amount and we can’t thank her enough."

Elaine has encouraged others who are considering giving up something, whether it be alcohol, sugar or smoking, to join their 'Aff it for Ardgowan’ drive.

Anyone who does want to support the hospice in this way is asked to contact fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call 726830.