A LIFELONG Rangers fan will make an emotional return to Ibrox for the first time since suffering a stroke in 2016.

John Sangster was welcomed to the Hummel Training Centre by Andy Halliday today, ahead of his return to the Govan-based grounds as part of a special celebratory matchday for the Rangers Charity Foundation’s partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

The 63-year-old said: "Rangers are the love of my life. I went to my first game at Ibrox on a very foggy day playing Hearts.

"I had a stroke in March 2016, I had to give up work and I've no peripheral vision. I don't know if it's a good idea going to the game - big crowds and I can't see from my left hand side.

"You could say that I could only go and see half a game."

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But, John, from Blanefield, has been supported by CHSS to help him recover his confidence and is now ready to get back to Ibrox to watch his beloved Rangers as a guest of the Club and Foundation, where he will come out onto the pitch at half time to receive a warm welcome from the crowd.

While ace Halliday, who presented John with a special "welcome back" shirt, also urged fans to get a free blood pressure check from CHSS in the Fan Zone before the Kilmarnock game.

John added: "There's so many wonderful and beautiful things out there to see, including Glasgow Rangers, and I look forward to the first time back because I've missed the Glasgow Rangers games.

"In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger: 'I'll be back'."

The Foundation pledged at the start of the season to raise £20,000 for CHSS to support 20 of the charity’s Rehabilitation Support Service volunteers and fund 600 hours of its Advice Line service.

And, John has received countless messages of support from Gers players, including captain James Tavernier, Glen Middleton and Serge Atakayi as well as assistant manager Gary McAllister.

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Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive of CHSS, said: “Seeing John return to his beloved Ibrox will be absolutely fantastic. Watching him get back to doing what he loves, grow in confidence and reach his goals is what our work is all about. We want to make sure people like John live their lives to the full.

“We want to say a huge thank you to the Rangers Charity Foundation, the team and their fans for all the support they have shown us over the last year. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, kind donations and encouragement we are able to help people like John rebuild their lives after a stroke or diagnosis of a chest or heart condition.”

For more information about the CHSS fundraising efforts at the Gers clash with Kilmarnock, visit chss.org.uk.

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