Staff at Wyevale have teamed up with the Rotary Club of Thornbury to offer visitors the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked.

Manager Paul Hodges said: “Every year more than 100,000 people in the UK suffer strokes for the first time, so it is vitally important to have access to education about this brain disorder. We are delighted the Rotary Club is visiting the garden centre to talk to customers about strokes and how they affect people as well as offering free blood pressure checks.

"High blood pressure can put people at a higher risk of strokes, as well as heart attacks and kidney problems, so it is well worth getting it regularly checked out and treated. Strokes also affect both young and old so the checks are open to everyone.”

A stroke is an attack on the brain, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain and, without a blood supply, cells can be damaged or destroyed and won’t be able to function.

Rotary Club of Thornbury representative, Richard Hiscock added: “The brain controls everything the body does and damage to the brain will affect body functions. Therefore, it is vital we help people recognise the impact a stroke can have on the body and help them understand how to reduce the risk of having one.

“We are really pleased to be at the garden centre and I would encourage everyone to come down and meet us. The blood pressure check will only take a couple of minutes and results are instant.”

For more information, please call Wyevale Thornbury Garden Centre on 01454 412 247.
www.thornburygardencentre.co.uk