Oarsome foursome boost blood pressure campaign

Members of the Oarsome Foursome were out and about in Bexhill at the weekend promoting blood pressure checks.

The rowers took part in a national campaign run by the Stroke Association and Rotary club to encourage people to have their blood pressure monitored.

Row4Charity's Matt Hellier and Phil McCorry were joined by shore side manager Geoff Dixon and Bexhill Rotary Club members in handing out information leaflets in the town centre and along the promenade, encouraging Saturday morning shoppers and strollers to call in at the Bexhill Sailing Club where the assessments were taking place.

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Mark Bilsby, Mike Creasey, Elaine Kelly, Terry Andrews, Susie Skelton and Kathy Brown of St John Ambulance were there, recording the volunteers' blood pressure and giving advice when needed or requested.

Cherry Berkeley, one of the volunteers said: "My family have suffered from high blood pressure in the past, so I thought it was a good opportunity to have mine checked.

"It was alright but it might have been a bit lower if the rowing boys hadn't been there!"

Matt and Phil, together with Phil's brother Nick and Ian Allen rowed from Perth, Western Australia to Mauritius, leaving Australia on the April 19 last year and arriving in Mauritius 68 days, 19 hours and 40 minutes later, winning the race by an astonishing 13 days.

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In doing so they raised more than 16,000 for the Stroke Association.

Rotary's Patrick Donaldson said: "I would like to thank everyone who helped us '“ the St John Ambulance people, the Sailing Club, Geoff and half of the Oarsome Foursome and all those who put their donation in the collecting boxes, on what was a very successful morning.

"There were no nasty surprises for anyone but a lot of peace of mind for those who are reassured that their blood pressure doesn't give rise to alarm."

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