Stroke survivors push for blood pressure checks

John with his wife Maralyn, says he knew instantly he was having a stroke

A blood pressure check could save your life, says a stroke survivor.

John Glover,72, from Margate, a retired carpenter, is warning others to get checked after he says his high blood pressure contributed to him having a stroke.

"Don't end up like I did," Mr Glover said. "People think that 'nothing's going to happen to me', and then bang."

The Stroke Association says 43% of people do not know that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke.

Mr Glover was at home with wife Maralyn, when he had his stroke in March 2022.

"She took one look one look at me, said, 'You're having a stroke'," he said.

He said his wife put him straight into the car and took him to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate.

Mr Glover said he was treated quickly but the stroke has left him with aphasia - difficulty with communication – and difficulty with fine motor skills on his left side.

"They say ignorance is bliss but knowledge is power, so get your blood pressure checked."

Trevor Cruickshank (pictured on the right) with his husband Chris

Trevor Cruickshank, from Haslemere, was 43 years old in 2020 when his life was "turned upside down" by his stroke, he says.

Mr Cruickshank says he has made a "good recovery" after spending three days recovering in hospital, and is now really passionate about spreading awareness around the condition

"I've realised that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time, but if you are of African or Caribbean origin you may have a higher risk of stroke than other people in the UK.

"One of the most crucial things is to get your blood pressure checked. It could save your life," he said.

Michael O'Dell (pictured on the right) with wife Mandy

Michael O'Dell, from Sussex, had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes in 2015, and had lost two stones (12kg) when he had a stroke on 2 December 2023.

After "getting off lightly", Mr O'dell is urging others to check their blood pressure no matter your age.

"Don't just know stroke is bad for you, read up on what happens.

"The education needs to be a bit louder," he said.

Nick O'Donohue, the Stroke Association's associate director for the South East, said: "Around 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke every year. Worryingly, this has been increasing over the last 20 years, particularly amongst people of working age.

"It is vital that everyone knows what can cause a stroke, so they can proactively look after their health to reduce the risk.

"We're encouraging adults of any age to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis."