Three towns flute band raise £8,082 in memory of Gary

Saltcoats Protestant Boys flue band set out to boost the charity after Gary Woods lost his battle with cancer.

On Saturday, August 8 the band pedalled from Ardrossan to Irvine and back the way to West Kilbride.

Gary passed away aged 49 on March 24.

His fellow bandmates wanted to pay a touching tribute to him by playing at his funeral but were unable to due to coronavirus restrictions.

The group of 27, who were meeting for the first time since lockdown, held an emotional graveside tribute to Gary by laying flowers before heading off on the cycle.

Best pal Frank McKee told the Herald: “There were 27 of us who took part.

“It was the first time the band had been together since Gary had died.

“We started at my house. We all met at 8am. My wife and Gary’s partner all made rolls up for everyone.

“Before we started the cycle, we gathered at his graveside to say a few words and laid some wreaths.”

The band cycled in groups to stick to social distancing and they donned t-shirts which said: “In memory of Woody”.

Frank added: “It was a great day and the weather was fantastic. It was a scorcher .I think doing it at that time in the morning was great.

“Gary’s dad passed on the Tuesday before the cycle

“We had the full family in mind, Tom and his wife Marion. They give us their blessing to do it for Ayrshire Hospice.

“Some his family were at the graveside and his partner Agnes stayed and we took her out for dinner.

“It was an emotional 10/15 minutes at the graveside. Cancer knows no religion, creed or colour, we hope we have raised awareness of that.”

Tracey Corrigan, head of fundraising at Ayrshire Hospice said: “ We would like to say a huge thanks to everyone at the Saltcoats Protestant Boys Flute Band on their recent fundraising cycle in memory of band member and friend, Gary.

“They have raised an amazing £8082 which is gratefully received by the hospice during these difficult times.”