A LOLLIPOP man has hailed the job for giving him a new lease of life after he was diagnosed with a deadly heart condition.

Port Glasgow man James Docherty, 62, was left devastated three years ago when he suffered a heart attack and was told he suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — the condition that caused Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba to collapse on the pitch during a televised match.

As he struggled to come to terms with his ill health former Compaq worker James was then diagnosed with post traumatic stress.

But the decision to pick up a stick and help children cross the road safely put a spring back in his step.

James, of Glen Clune in the town, said: “It saved my life and gave me something to get up for in the morning.

“It is a great way of getting out in to the fresh air and it takes me out every day.

“I was advised by doctors to find something to get me out of the house.

“The opportunity came up on the crossing patrol and I just absolutely love it.

“All the children and parents talk away to you.

“I go wherever I am needed and it is amazing.” When James had his heart attack in July 2012 he had just been made redundant from Compaq.

His condition meant that he would have to be fitted with an implanted defibrillator that would restrict his opportunities.

James, a former Scottish international amateur footballer, added: “It is very hard to find work when you have a defibrillator. I am so grateful to have this opportunity.” James, who played for Gourock Amateurs for a number of years, is a regular on the roads throughout Inverclyde helping kids get to school safely.

But he still suffers from other complications due to his heart condition.

He is in need of a hip replacement due to his football playing days, but because his heart would not stand up to the procedure surgeons will not take the chance.

He added: “I have been in tremendous pain but the new painkillers are making a difference.” James is now gearing up for the new school term later this month, when he will be back out on patrol.