Chris on West Highland Way to honour dad

A Paisley man is to set off on a challenging trek to raise funds for a lifeline charity.

Chris Gray – supported by a group of friends – is to take on the West Highland Way next month as he seeks to repay the staff at the Accord Hospice palliative care unit for the care they provided for his dad James in the final two months of his life.

James died on Saturday, September 23, 2023 after bravely battling cancer for almost a decade.

Accord Hospice is a charity based in Paisley that provides end-of-life care for people living in Renfrewshire, and parts of East Renfrewshire, who need specialist support.

Chris told the Express: “The care they gave us, and that time in his final hours, they made him feel comfortable, made sure he wasn’t in pain, that he was still able to talk.

“They were amazing, they gave us that wee bit of time to spend with him that we needed.

“And I think some people overlook these workers that are doing this vital end-of-life care, so we would like to donate whatever we make to them.”

The 39-year-old will be heading out as part of a group of 10 friends on

Thursday, April 25 aiming to complete the stiff 96-mile route in four days.

“It’s near enough a marathon every single day,” added Chris, who is undeterred with the objective of the challenge clear in his mind.

So far, he’s achieved good financial backing for his fundraiser, receiving sponsorship from four local firms: Steven Cameron Funeral Directors; FSG Decorating; MLS Landscaping; and Cornerstone Landscaping.

A spokesperson from Steven Cameron Funeral directors said: “We are glad to support the fundraiser.

They’re a lovely family. James was Paisley born and bred, we’ve done all the Gray family funerals down the years and James was always a lovely, lovely man, genuine honest man.”

Chris has set up a JustGiving page where people can make donations in support of his fundraising efforts, with all the money raised going to Accord Hospice. He has so far raised over his target amount of £500 but says that the more money he can raise for the charity, the better.

The link to the fundraising page can be found at https://bit.ly/48CtPgs