TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved health charity volunteer who died after a sudden stroke.

Christine Smith, who volunteered at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s boutique in Erskine, has been described by her colleagues as “flawless.”

The gran-of-two was rushed to hospital when she suffered a stroke on October 28. She died on November 7.

Morven Gigli, manager of the boutique at Bridgewater shopping centre, said it was a “massive shock” when she first heard the tragic news.

She told The Gazette: “Christine was only 69 years of age and fit as anything.

“She initially started volunteering four hours a week at the charity in August last year, but soon we got her up to two half-days, and then some weeks she was volunteering between 15 and 20 hours, because she enjoyed it that much.

“Christine was a beautiful lady, inside and out, who would help anybody and took pride in everything she did at the shop.”

The Gazette: Christine SmithChristine Smith

Since Christine’s death, donations have poured in to a JustGiving page that is raising funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in her memory.

Christine’s son Murray, who started the fundraiser, wrote: “Christine was one of the most selfless and caring people many of us met and we can think of no better tribute to her character than to raise money for the charity she so dearly cared for. 

“In this spirit, we ask that instead of flowers or other gestures of condolence that you donate to this important cause.”

The JustGiving page has already raised more than £7,000 – well beyond its £1,000 target.

A flood of heartfelt tributes have also been paid by Christine’s friends on the page in response to the tragic news.

She was described as “a truly amazing lady” and “a wonderful woman.”

Morven added: “I’d only known her for a year and a half, and when I read some of the stories on the JustGiving page, it just melted my heart as every single person loved her.

“Her funeral was on November 17 and she should of been flying out to Idaho, in America, the next day to see her grandchildren.

“She was looking forward so much to that trip.”

Christine is survived by her husband John, her two sons Craig and Murray and her two grandchildren Layla and Finlay.

To support the fundraising efforts in memory of Christine, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/murray-smith7.