More than 150 people had their blood pressure taken on Saturday at a Bank Holiday event organised by Marlborough and District Rotary Club at the Jubilee Centre in Marlborough High Street.
Rotarians stood outside encouraging shoppers and strollers to have the health test since high blood pressure is one of the main causes of of strokes and heart attacks in the UK.
It was the first time that Marlborough Rotarians have held blood pressure session in the town, which resulted in 152 people taking advantage of the event, organised as part of Rotarys’ national link over the past decade with the Stroke Association.
Rotarians were supported by nurses and Rotarian Dr Trevor Tiplady, who is known to many local people from his years of practice in the region. He was able to give advice to anyone who needed it after their readings had been taken.
“Several people were advised to go to their own GP because their blood pressure was shown to be high,” he told Marlborough News Online.
Rotarian Paul Cowan said: “Learning that your blood pressure is high can be worrying, but a few simple steps can keep it under control. We were pleased to be able to test people on Saturdaytoday — and I think we may have saved a few lives.”
Jon Barrick, chief executive of the Stroke Association, added “These events are so important. Many people are still unaware of high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. Thanks to the support of Rotary Clubs we have helped over 200,000 people learn their level of risk and take action if necessary.”
For more information on stroke, call the Stroke Association helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp.
Marlborough began the 2013 league campaign with defeat away at Swindon
