A GENEROUS donation was handed over to Alzheimer’s Scotland last week after an Irvine man raised more than £2,000 for his 80th birthday.

Jimmy Walker celebrated his 80th birthday with a large gathering of friends and family – and the event in the Riverside Lodge Hotel raised more than £2,000 for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Jimmy, who ran a joinery in the town for years which is now operated by his son, is a former Deacon Convenor of Irvine Trades and a long standing member of Irvine’s Seagate Rotary Club.

He has also been a keen golfer and curler.

His wife Anne told the Times: “It was an absolutely phenomenal night. A wonderful evening. Jimmy has Alzheimer’s, so we asked everyone to make a donation to Alzheimer’s Scotland instead of buying presents.

“I know from personal experience the work Alzheimer’s Scotland do. Last year in May I was in a state of nervous collapse, I didn’t know what to do but social services rallied round to help me. They are absolutely brilliant at The Bungalow and day centre.

“People should be aware that these things are out there, some people commit suicide when dealing with dementia, it is the slow deterioration that breaks your heart. In my personal experience they have been absolutely brilliant.”