Rangers player Connor Goldson is calling on volunteers to join a pioneering project in Glasgow aimed at tackling Scotland's biggest health problems.

The English defender had a heart operation in 2017 when he was diagnosed with an enlarged aorta after a specialist noticed something unusual during a routine check-up.

The then Brighton player missed two-months of football as a result of the diagnosis but without surgery the condition could have been fatal for the 26-year-old.

Goldson is now appealing for volunteers to join the Health Defence Project which will be launched in June.

The charity project, which will be launched by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland this summer, will be based in Glasgow which has the highest rate of deaths from Coronary Heart Disease in people under the age of 75 and the highest rate of deaths relating to long-term lung condition, COPD.

And in 2017 the life expectancy for both men and women in the city was lowest in the whole of Scotland.

The Drumchapel based charity is looking for volunteers who will provide health checks, healthy living workshops and ongoing support to people as they make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

Speaking of his diagnosis at the launch of the project he said: "It was just a routine check-up when they found the problem with my heart. It was a huge shock; I was terrified I'd never play again.

"It's really scary to think of what could have happened if I hadn't found out about my heart problem. I was really lucky.

"It's a great thing that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is doing in Glasgow.

"It's so important for people to find out their health risks and make positive changes.

"Make your time matter and volunteer with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's Health Defence Team.

"You'll be helping people in Glasgow make changes to their lifestyle so that they can live a longer and healthier life.

"When you have a health scare like I did it makes you realise how precious life is."

Joanna Teece, Health Defence Lead at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: "Too often where you live in Scotland determines how long you live for. We must do everything we can to tackle these health inequalities head-on.

"Parts of Glasgow have a history of poor health and low life expectancy, that's why we're starting the programme here.

"By supporting people in their communities and providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to live a healthier life we can make a change."