One in five people tested for free as part of a Whitchurch Rotary Club health drive were found to be "at risk", according to organisers.

Around 20 per cent of people were considered to have issues that required further attention after their blood pressure was tested at the public health awareness event in Whitchurch.

And five per cent were told to consult their GP urgently.

OTHER NEWS: 

Whitchurch Rotary, with healthcare professionals, were giving free blood pressure tests at an annual health awareness event in the town centre.

The checks aim to detect early warning signs of hypertension and hyperglycaemia which are major causes of premature deaths from strokes and heart attacks.

Keith Senior, from Whitchurch Rotary Club and organiser of the all-important health drive, says the event could go onto save lives of people who did not know they were at risk.

He said: “Rotary supports many community causes and international emergencies but saving a life is the highest achievement we can hope for.

 “The blood pressure and prostate testing that we do often reveal conditions that people aren’t even aware they have.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@whitchurchherald.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

“And if we can help to flag-up these killers, that has to be at the top of our priorities.”

A total of 96 people had their blood pressure tested in the three-hour session with 19 attendees advised to see their doctor and five were urged to do so urgently.

For more information about Whitchurch Rotary Club, head to Facebook and search their name.