Iain Borland was at a Greenock United session at Notre Dame High School seven months ago when he began to feel unwell.

The 58-year-old said he only found out what had happened after his wife persuaded him to visit his GP.

Iain, of Staffa Street, said: “I went to work on the Thursday and on Friday, until my wife insisted I went to the doctor – and I was in Inverclyde Royal for a week.

"I was told that it was most likely I suffered the attack on Wednesday. So I was walking about for two days after having a heart attack.

"I was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital and I was in there for a week.

"They didn't put a stent in because it would have caused more damage, so they increased my medication."

Iain was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2012, the same year he became involved with Greenock United, a club for children and adults with additional support needs.

The condition affects the heart muscle and weakens its ability to pump blood around the body.

He was fitted with a defibrillator and pacemaker. He also has fibromyalgia and diabetes, which has caused neuropathy in his feet, and lives with constant pain, tiredness and fatigue.

He said: “I take 122 tablets a week.”

Despite his health problems, Iain continues to serve as chairman of the club, which has 60 members and is supported by a team of 10 volunteers.

Iain Borland says he'll never quit (Image: George Munro)

It has an adult team, two children’s teams and a fun group for younger children.

Iain said: "We don't turn anyone away. We have a red and white adult team, under 16s and under 13s.

"We also have a small group of younger children that play for fun. It's more like a festival."

Players train every Wednesday at Notre Dame High School.

They play monthly matches in Falkirk as part of the Scottish PAN Disability Football League, which attracts 500 players and 100 coaches each month.

Iain is no longer well enough to go to games, but his commitment to the club extended to buying a van and trailer to transport and store equipment, while his washing machine is often full of football strips.

Son Dylan, 24, a coach with the club, said: “My dad has a great work ethic and cares so much about disability football.

"He has stage 4 heart failure and had a heart attack early this year, but still continued to run Greenock United in the background, dealing with all the behind the scenes and paperwork - and as much I do help him, he's the main man.

“He is a very modest man. We wouldn't have a platform without him, and his commitment is very important to me."

Iain is married to Andreana, also 58. Their sons Ryan and Adam, 21, have also been involved with the club.

Iain said: “We are not a club that has a win-at-all- costs attitude. Greenock United is about having fun with a football.

Top Team Iain and Dylan (Image: George Munro)

"Regardless of footballing talent, there is a place for everyone at our club. We never reject a player.

"We concentrate on the values of teamwork and fair play within football and everyday life."

He said parents had told him about changes in their children since joining the club.

Iain said: "One of the parents who helps us told me her son didn't have any friends before he joined the club, and now he talks about it all the time.”

Admitting that he often feels like not going to training sessions because of pain and tiredness, he added: “I force myself – and I always feel better when I’ve been.”