A FAMILY who lost their mother to a rare disease has raised almost £30,000 in a bid to help save the lives of others.

Maggie Maguire, 61, bravely fought kidney disorder familial amyloidosis for almost a decade.

As revealed by the Evening Times, Maggie, from Govan, was the fourth relative to fall victim to the disease.

Now her family, led by her son Gary Maguire, has set up a charity fund to raise cash and awareness.

And their first event, a charity ball held at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza, raised £27,000.

Gary, 35, said: "I have been overwhelmed at the support and generosity of my family, friends and people who don't even know me, but have been affected by kidney disease.

"The whole night was amazing and getting the opportunity to meet so many people affected by this disease also was so uplifting for me.

"To know that the others have experienced my heart-ache and also been on that emotional rollercoaster was, in a strange way, comforting."

Maggie died in July 2012 after suffering a heart attack and a stroke.

She left sons, Gary, Kevin and Paul, daughter Susan, and four grandchildren.

The disease also claimed their aunt Pauline McCartney, uncle George Boyle and grandfather.

All money raised in memory of Maggie will go to Kidney Research UK.

The family also believe other relatives have died from the disease, which means there is a gene in the liver which attacks - and eventually kills - the kidney.

Gary, who works for Glasgow Life, previously told of his pride at how bravely his mother had fought the disease. He described her as a "determined" woman who showed courage throughout her battle.

He said: "Familial amyloidosis affects around one in 100,000 families.

"Sadly we are one of those families. This is my family's cancer."

After her condition was diagnosed, Maggie tirelessly worked to research familial amyloidoses.

"But that work wasn't for her," said Gary. "She was doing it for us.

"Mum wanted to make sure that her suffering was not in vain, so she participated in research studies, in the hope that maybe one day a cure would be found.

"Sadly, mum isn't here to help fund the research any more.

"But we are - we can keep it going for her."

Her family are now planning the next Purple Ball, which will take place on February 14, next year.

To donate to Kidney Research UK in memory of Maggie, visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk