A host of warm tributes have poured in from community groups and organisations across Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse following the death of Christina McKelvie MSP. The popular constituency politician, who had represented the area for 14 years and had been an admired and respected elected member at Holyrood since 2007, died last week of breast cancer aged just 57. Hundreds of tributes have been shared from local good causes, sports clubs, businesses and colleagues across the political spectrum, while flags were flown at half-mast at South Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters in Hamilton in honour of the “outstanding MSP”. Staff and volunteers at Hamilton District Foodbank said they were “very sad” about Ms McKelvie’s passing, sharing pictures of the MSP supporting the organisation with projects over the years including deliveries and even festive wrapping – and saying: “It has been our privilege to have had Christina in our life.” Foodbank manager Isobel Graham told Lanarkshire Live: “Christina has been a massive support and it was always lovely to welcome her to the foodbank. She would be passing and pop in and give us a hand. “We appreciated her time, company, help and support, especially during Christmas times. Christina was kind, friendly, thoughtful and always thinking of how she could help others.” Larkhall & District Volunteer Group posted that they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of long-time supporter Christina McKelvie”, saying: “Christina was always a friend of ours, and her unwavering support was very much appreciated. “She remained dedicated, compassionate and committed to our cause, and to the wider community which she served. She will be missed dearly, and our thoughts are with her family and friends." Trustee board chair Anne Alston told Lanarkshire Live: “Christina fully supported the third sector groups of her constituency. She promoted Larkhall & District Volunteer Group and happily attended events we organised, and she will be greatly missed by all in the group.” Friends of Stonehouse Park extended “heartfelt condolences to the family of our MSP”, with group secretary Karen Kelly telling Lanarkshire Live: “Christina has been a huge supporter of our group since the beginning in 2014. “She attended many events and was never slow in providing background support to our park development projects. Her positive personality, unwavering support, warmth and kindness will truly be missed.” Hamilton Rugby Club mourned the passing of “our long-time friend, supporter and ally”, telling how “she truly understood the power of sport to bring people together” following her days as a young athlete growing up in Easterhouse which she “spoke about with real pride and joy”. The club posted: “Christina has been a consistent source of encouragement and strength over the years; her unwavering support for our club has left a mark that will never be forgotten. She knew first-hand what sport could do for a person, a family and a neighbourhood, and brought that passion to every conversation and opportunity to support us. “From championing community initiatives to facilitating key meetings, Christina was always there – not just as an MSP, but as a genuine friend who cared deeply about our success. We are incredibly grateful for all that she gave to Hamilton Rugby Club; Christina’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched, in the progress she helped us make, and in the spirit of community she believed in so strongly.” A Facebook statement from Hamilton Gymnastics Club agreed: “Christina had been a strong supporter of ours and played a pivotal part in helping the club secure its first facility over 10 years ago. “She was passionate about the club, admired the display team and was amazed by the number of young women who were actively involved in the sport. Christina actively supported our events and shared our success stories. We will miss her happy and friendly face.” Business organisation Hamilton Our Town paid tribute saying: “Christina was a great supporter of the town centre [and] a regular visitor for our events and projects,” while Larkhall Community Growers called the MSP’s passing “a great loss to the wider community”, saying: “Christina was someone who was always ready to support and promote the work of the third sector.” Larkhall Community Plan said the area has “lost a friend and champion”, saying on Facebook: “Christina was passionate about the work we’re doing and gave us her full support. She offered us invaluable advice and guidance; she was always encouraging and genuinely believed in our ambitions for our town. “It was always clear she cared about the communities she served and the tributes being paid to her show both how committed she was to Larkhall, Stonehouse and Hamilton, and also how caring, generous and warm she was. Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire told how “Christina championed the third sector, backing charities, community groups and causes across South Lanarkshire. She was passionate about creating a brighter future for our communities and will be missed.” Hamilton Citizens’ Advice Bureau called the popular MSP “a great supporter of [our] work [who] will be missed”; and Larkhall charity the Machan Trust said they were “truly saddened”, saying: “Christina and her team have been a great support over the years – our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and colleagues.” * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!