Warm tributes from across Scotland’s sporting community have been paid for pioneering athletics coach Janice Eaglesham following the news of her passing on Sunday.

Alongside her husband, Ian Mirfin, Janice, 60, was the driving force behind some of the finest achievements in Scottish and British disabled sport over the past 30 years.

Together, Janice and Ian founded the Red Star Athletics Club in Dennistoun in 1990, in support of athletes with disabilities.

Married for 33 years, Ian posted of Janice’s sudden passing by sharing a heartbreaking tribute, which read: “Janice and I spent the best part of our lives together… and life without her is going to be difficult. I’m eternally grateful for our time together, even though it was shorter than we planned.”

READ MORE: Youth development at the heart of East End Community Radio's launch

From their training facilities at the Crownpoint Sports Complex, as coach and mentor Janice’s dedication to a variety of sports witnessed the club turn novice athletes into gold medal-winning Paralympians and world champions.

As recognition for their work, in 2016, Janice and Ian both received MBEs for their services to disability sport and were recognised as Unsung Heroes by the BBC at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2011.

Among the most heartfelt tributes paid to Janice are those from the athletes whose lives have been forever changed by her impact on their sporting and personal lives.

READ MORE: Hundreds mourn at funeral of tragic Chelsea Bruce in Springburn

Having joined Red Star in 2012, within four years wheelchair athlete Sammi Kinghorn was representing Team GB in the 100m and 400m race events at 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to the support and coaching received by Janice and Ian.

As a then novice to the sport, Sammi recalls how Janice sparked her road to achievement. She says, “I didn’t know anything about disability sport and after meeting Janice at a talent day, she told my physios I should get into athletics,

"I was quite scared to get into it, but the way she and Ian were always so unphased about anything to do with disability made everything completely normal. That was always really inspiring and a comfort to be around."

READ MORE: Glasgow city councillors speak out over trolling as abuse figures increase

Sammi adds: "Janice was more than just a coach telling me to push faster round a track… she was a friend. She and Ian together were the kindest people you’ll ever meet. They’d do anything for anyone to help them make that step up in life.

A moment in time Sammi says she’ll keep forever of Janice involves one of their favourite pop stars, as she shares: “Janice and I went to see Pink together at Hampden Park last month. It was just me and her… it was amazing. We were just screaming every single song. We both loved her, now it’s even more of an incredible memory.”

Sammi's fellow Team GB Paralympian, Hannah Dines, also credits Janice with being the spur to her success. The T2 Racerunner rider, who competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, says: "I started at Red Star six years ago as a complete novice, having never done sport before.

READ MORE: Scottish Government criticised over imminent closure of historic Caley railyard

"I was really unfit and Janice completely believed in me from the moment we met and she started coaching me then and there.

"Janice and Ian gave me the gift of sport, I’ve tried to shout that out ever since. Janice was such a force of belief, warmth and kindness. She was literally one of a kind."

Sharing his own special tribute to Janice is Gavin Drysdale, who joined Janice and Ian at Red Star seven years ago to train and compete in RaceRunning.

A five-time gold medal winner at the 2015 CPISRA World Games, Gavin says: “I was so privileged to have known and been coached by Janice. She made such a big impact on my life not only as a coach but as a close friend as well.

READ MORE: Police recover body of a man from north Glasgow canal

“When I got involved in RaceRunning at the age of nine, Janice and Ian took me under their wing. She guided me to become a better athlete, but also a better person and taught me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

Gavin adds: “I couldn't have asked for a better person to lead me through the experiences of becoming an international athlete. Janice knew instinctively what to do and say to bring out the best in me. We shared many happy memories together including the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin last year.

“I will miss more than words can express navigating the many adventures that are to come without her by my side.

“Janice touched so many lives by her kindness and passion. She is irreplaceable but her legacy will inspire us all.”

In a message on Facebook to people who knew Janice and wish to attend her funeral, Ian wrote: "Wee update on arrangements for Janice. At present it looks like 11am at South Lanarkshire Crematorium on Wednesday 31st July... This is provisional pending a post mortem at the end of the week.

READ MORE: Rangers launch 'ground-breaking' diversity and inclusion campaign

"I’d respectfully ask for no cards or flowers. Your messages have been overwhelming and I’ve had calls from all over the world, such was Janice’s reach. If you want to do something for Janice then there will be a collection on the day.

"Janice loved bright colours and sport, she was a shining bright light. She wouldn’t want people coming along formally dressed and wearing dark colours. Wear bright colours and sportswear, if you are an athlete or coach wear club kit or national kit.

Janice’s legacy is all that you have and will achieve. I’ve been touched by everyone’s kindness and support in what are the darkest times I’ve encountered."