'I can't believe listening to radio saved my life'

Michèle Piertney was horrified to see her dangerously high blood pressure readings

A carer said hearing a BBC radio presenter talking on air about his recent stroke "most likely saved my life" after tests revealed she had dangerously high blood pressure.

Michèle Piertney, from Stockport, was prompted to act after listening to BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Sweeney sharing details of what happened to him earlier this year.

After subsequently picking up a home testing kit, Michèle said she was "utterly horrified by the results that hovered around the 180/80mmHg mark and reached a peak of 202/99". The NHS regards the healthy range as between 90/60 and 120/80.

"I sent a link to my GP and within hours I had been placed on medication to reduce my blood pressure," she said.

'Urgent appointment'

Michèle, who said her previous blood pressure reading had been 141/70 in 2024, left her job two years ago to care for her husband, who needs full-time support.

She said: "He likes Radio Manchester so I heard Mike's story while listening.

"I really believe listening to Mike saved me from a stroke and saved my life."

After submitting her results to her GP, an urgent appointment was arranged.

"An hour later, I was collecting my medication which has helped me a lot," she said.

"I really believe it is important to check your blood pressure - you can share the cost of home testing with your neighbours or friends.

"It would be great if places like synagogues, mosques or churches did this for their members."

Mike Sweeney shared his own story with listeners to his BBC Radio Manchester programme

Sweeney, 78, described to listeners what had happened to him in January.

He said he started feeling "uncomfortable" while travelling to Newcastle to do interviews for BBC One's Morning Live.

The former Salford Jets lead singer said he carried on working the next day despite feeling increasingly ill.

After being admitted to hospital, Sweeney said a doctor told him he had had a "tiny stroke", more formally knows as a transient ischaemic attack.

"Psychologically, it has changed me completely," said the veteran radio host.

Despite initially being hesitant to speak about his experience, Sweeney said he had decided to open up in the hope that his experience could help others.

He said: "I would say if you're feeling that you're having a "funny turn" then there is something wrong because we don't have funny turns.

"You need to check yourself out. This can happen to you."

BBC Radio Manchester's executive editor Andrew Bowman said: "The BBC Radio Manchester Stop a Stroke campaign has been important in talking to people about why they should get their blood pressure checked regularly.

"We were inspired by Mike Sweeney's story and I'm delighted that by talking about this we've inspired our listeners too, including Michèle, to take action."