A NORTH Ayrshire woman used her own heartbreaking losses to inspire a fantastic charitable effort.

Kirsty McNicol will be well known to many across the county as one of four people running the 'ASN Support Ayrshire' group.

The mother of three has lived across the Three Towns and Irvine her whole life and has had a real positive impact on the area.

Her most recent work for a excellent cause saw Kirsty "brave the shave" in a bid to raise funds for the Ayrshire Hospice.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Kirsty Mcnicol braved the shave in a bid to raise funds for the Ayrshire Hospice.

She raised a fantastic £642 for the charity after deciding to use recent heartbreak as her inspiration to give back.

Kirsty commented: "My mum got diagnosed with stage four cancer in the liver and stomach in July 2023.

"My good friend wasdiagnosed same month too with stage three bladder cancer.

"Both passed away seven days apart in January.

"I felt like I couldn't do anything, I was helpless, and that's why I decided to do the fundraiser.

"I was feeling like I could do something to help raise money for a really good cause,

"I felt like I was giving a little something back to Ayrshire Hospice who helped both families in different ways."

She added: "I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to do this for a charity so close to my heart and raise over £600 for Ayrshire Hospice.

"My hopes are that I've helped raise awareness of the amazing job the Ayrshire Hospice does and with the donations they can help support other cancer patients and their families.

"Everyone says how brave I am, but I'm not the brave one. The people with cancer are the ones who are brave."