Over £5,000 raised for good causes in memory of Robert Taft

Robert Taft, who lived in Paisley for most of his life, helped countless local youngsters get into sport during a long association with his beloved basketball.

We previously reported that he died in February 2022 at the age of 65 following a three-month battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Robert's loved ones recently organised a charity event to raise funds for drugs rehabilitation service Jericho House, in Robert's home town of Greenock, and Paisley's Accord Hospice, which provided Robert with palliative care during his final days.

Martin Taft, Mick O'Neill and Stewart Taft before taking on the West Highland Way (Image: Supplied)

Robert's niece Gillian O'Neill said that around 90 people attended the charity event.

She told The Gazette: "Everybody who attended said they had a fab night, which made it made it all worth it in the end.

"We are really pleased with the amount that we raised, especially when it was the first time we had ever done the charity night.

"A lot of businesses gave us donations and we would like to thank everyone who supported our efforts."

Gillian's husband Mick, along with Robert's nephews Stewart Taft and Martin Orr, also completed the West Highland Way over six days in aid of the two causes.

Mick O'Neill, Martin Taft and Stewart Taft after taking on the West Highland Way (Image: Supplied)

A total of £5,200 has been raised and split evenly between the two charities, which have received £2,600 each.

Gillian said she believed her uncle would have been "over the moon" at the amount of money raised.

She added: "I think Robert would have been very proud of us all, especially the guys doing the walk.

"I'm sure he would have loved to have been at the charity night as well.

"He was always the life and soul of the party, and he was definitely missed at the event."