Scrum on down for a pressure check

Date published: 22 October 2009


FORMER Great Britian rugby league captain Paul Sculthorpe checked into Oldham Sports Centre to get a fitness test.

The sportsman rolled up his sleeves for a blood pressure check during an awareness day for the Stroke Association.

The event was part of the charity’s Act FAST campaign, which urges people to know what symptoms to look for and to call 999 if a stroke is suspected.

It also recommends people make changes to their lifestyle to ward off the chances of falling victim to stroke.

Stroke is one of Oldham’s biggest causes of death and ill health, and there are more than 4,000 people in Oldham currently living with its consequences.

Other awareness days where people can get a blood pressure test and advice on stroke, will take place tomorrow at Sainsbury’s, Union Street, 10am-3pm; November 5, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 9.30am-2pm; November 27, Tesco, Failsworth, 10am-3pm; December 12, Oldham Athletic v Exeter match day, from 2pm.