SPORTY, big-hearted and a friend to all who knew him – Alastair Forrow was a popular man and a much-loved father and husband.

The 50-year-old, from Giffnock, died earlier this year following a diagnosis of advanced melanoma.

His wife, Mags, and daughters Erin, 10 and eight-year-old Rachel have decided to pay tribute to him by taking part in the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Light up a Life ceremony.

“Alastair spent the last few days of his life in the hospice and we are very grateful for the care he received here,” says Mags.

“Following weeks of bouncing between hospitals and the Beatson, coming here was a relief, in a way, especially when we found out how sick he was.”

Everyone knew ‘big Al’ from the golf club – at six foot two, he was a recognisable figure, and he had been the pro golfer at Whitecraigs for 24 years.

To Erin and Rachel, he was the “best dad”, who encouraged them to enjoy horseriding and gymnastics, who loved chocolate, and who sometimes made them walk to school – even in the rain.

Erin said: “Our dad was really good at sports.

“We did the Great Scottish Run with him once, and we moaned a lot on the way round, so he ended up carrying Rachel on his shoulders!

“The Butterfly project at the hospice helped me emotionally, so I could talk openly about my feelings.”

Rachel said: “Dad loved chocolate and he would have liked being here at the new hospice, because it’s lovely.”

As they prepare to remember Alistair at the hospice’s Light Up a Life services in December, Mags and her daughters, and all of their friends and family, know they will never forget the loving husband, father, brother and friend who meant so much to them all.

Light Up A Life, supported by the Evening Times, is a touching way to remember to a loved one - and it helps to raise vital funds for The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

The services, which this year take place at St Andrew’s Cathedral on December 16 at 3.30pm and December 19 at 7pm, give people the chance to remember friends and family members who have died.

The concerts are free, with a suggested donation of £5 at the door. This is a ticket-only event and can be booked online by contacting Sarah Morgan on 0141 429 9858 or sarah.morgan@ppwh.org.uk.