The former Celtic striker dropped by the Balloch Hospice with his wife Sarah and ex-Scotland international Murdo MacLeod to present the cheque and meet those who benefit from the hospice.

John, who won his battle with cancer in 2009, told the Reporter: “It’s very humbling to be at Robin House. It’s amazing to see the work the nurses and parents and everyone does here.

“It’s a credit to the centre. For us to give £50,000 means they can do a lot of good. Whether they build part of a new unit or new facilities, it’s great that we’re able to do this.” The Welshman chatted and played with children at the hospice as he spoke to the press. He added: “As a dad-of-five and someone who survived serious illness, I am always amazed by the courage and good humour shown by these little ones and their families in a very difficult situation while they are often facing gruelling treatments and disruption to their family life.” The player-turned-pundit praised his team and credits their hard work to enable the foundation’s work.

He said: “It’s not just myself, I front the foundation but it is the hard work from trustees, ambassadors, and the whole team – without the team I couldn’t do it.” John credits a young boy called Lee, who he met at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow, for bringing Robin House to his attention. Lee was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare kind of leukaemia, and lived in Robin House towards the end of his life. Lee tragically died in August.

John said: “I know Lee came here for while, and it was important to him and his family, after meeting him we decided Robin House was the most worthy cause.” Lee’s mum Elizabeth-Anne said: “We are indebted to Robin House for all they do for us. To have John and the Foundation here, and to see how much he genuinely cares. It’s amazing.” Not satisfied with just the one cheque, John hopes to return soon.

He added: “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of money we raised, it’s a fantastic cause and hopefully it won’t stop here. We depend on the generosity of the public but I’d love to be back here in two years with another cheque for £50,000.” The John Hartson Foundation divided £110,000 between a number of beneficiaries after friend Geoff Copp doubled the £55,000 raised by the charity.

John said: “I would like to thank Geoff, who made such a sizeable donation possible.” CHAS supports over 350 families, and fundraises to secure the £9m needed to provide services. Nicky Bridges, Clinical Nurse Manager at Robin House told the Reporter: “The hospice is such a special place, and John and his guests were able to see why their fundraising is important as it allows us to support families when they need it most.”