Farmers, agricultural workers and members of H&H Staff have been taking part in free health checks at a community event in Carlisle this morning.
Fifty-two people took part in health tests throughout the day, with around a fifth of those being advised to have further checks.
The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Brampton & Longtown, working with the local NHS, local authorities and Lloyd’s pharmacy which offered blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tests.
There were representatives from Carlisle & Eden Mind, Age UK (Carlisle & Eden), Stroke Association, MacMillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society, the Carlisle City Council Sugar Smart campaign, and Cumbria County Council Public Health team.
Kevin Walsh of Brampton & Longtown Rotary Club, and Chairman of the Carlisle Dementia Action Alliance, helped to plan the event and said: “There was a great community atmosphere this morning, and it has been encouraging to get people thinking about their health and wellbeing – particularly those groups who often don’t ask for health advice.
“It was great that so many people participated in the free health checks, and that some of the checks picked up signs of underlying health conditions early, so that the people can now seek further tests and treatment if needed, rather than letting the issues potentially become more serious.”
Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group plc which hosted the event, said: “When I heard about the possibility of this health event I thought that’s a good idea, we are a big mart with a lot of customers. Rotary has made it all happen and it has gone down well.”
Vince Mahon, Pharmacist for Lloyd’s Pharmacy, said: “Many of the people we’ve seen today don’t tend to go the doctors regularly, so we were hoping that offering a five minute check would give them an excuse to do it today.
“We’ve referred a few people on, and it puts them in a better position as they may not have seen a doctor or got a test initially.“
The event was led by Brampton and Longtown Rotary working together with other groups and the NHS.