THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a health charity in memory of a much-loved volunteer from Renfrewshire.

Christine Smith, who volunteered at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s boutique in Erskine, died in hospital last month after a sudden stroke.

Following Christine’s death, donations poured in to a JustGiving page set up by her family to raise funds for the charity so close to her heart.

Morven Gigli, manager of the boutique at Bridgewater shopping centre, met with Christine’s family to thank them for helping to raise more than £7,600 for the cause.

The Gazette: Cheque presentation with Gigli Morven and family members of Christine SmithCheque presentation with Gigli Morven and family members of Christine Smith

She said: “Christine was such a lovely person and a joy to work with. She spent 20 hours a week volunteering in the shop with us and she was so dedicated and would go above and beyond every day.

“Christine was such a big part of the shop, everyone in the shop loved her, from the customers to the whole team, and she will be so, so missed.”

Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, added: “On behalf of everyone at the charity, we want to send our deepest condolences to Christine’s friends and family at this difficult time.

“Christine dedicated her time to volunteering in our shop to help other people and their families who have been devastated by stroke. We are so thankful for the support that Christine provided to the charity and the difference that she made in her community.

“The impact that Christine had on people’s lives is clear from the generous outpouring from friends, family and the community. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to her family for doing something so amazing in Christine’s memory at such a difficult time.”

Read more: Tributes paid to ‘flawless’ charity volunteer after her sudden death