A CHELFORD man who survived a life-threatening stroke is encouraging people to get tested to avoid being struck down by the same condition.

Macclesfield's Grosvenor Shopping Centre is hosting a blood pressure checking day to help spot the warning signs of a potential stroke.

Macclesfield Rotary Club, will work with the Stroke Association and Macclesfield General Hospital medics, to check up to 500 shoppers, on April 18. from 10am to 4pm.

Those who show raised blood pressure will be urged to see their GP urgently - or even head to casualty.

John Brooks, 73, from Chelford, is recovering from a stroke that affected both his speech and memory six months ago.

Now the grandfather of six is back in good health and encouraging shoppers to make the most of this year’s free test.

John said: “I know mine was a mild stroke and I am one of the lucky ones. It’s not always like that for everyone and I know it could have been a lot worse.

“It happened one evening after I started feeling dizzy and falling about a bit. I just went to bed but the next day I still wasn’t right.

"My wife said we’d better go to the hospital and they admitted me straight away saying I’d had a stroke.

In charge of running the blood testing this year is Steve Smith from the Rotary club who said it will be held in the middle of the centre with five medics from Macclesfield General Hospital.

Blood pressure test results are a useful early indicator of the risk of stroke, as well as various other ailments, so those tested will fall into one of three categories depending on their readings.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10am to 4pm.