A PHOTOGRAPHER taking pictures of people having their blood pressures taken had his own health brought into focus — when he found he had high blood pressure himself.

Kevin Shipley, from Smithills, was working for Vision Express at a free public event educating people how having a high blood pressure can cause strokes.

After finishing his work, Mr Shipley decided to take the test himself and was urgently referred to his GP after the discovery.

He is now under observation by his GP following the event in Preston, and has had further tests to continue monitoring his blood pressure.

Mr Shipley said the finding was a complete shock, and that he was glad to have had the test.

He said: "If I hadn’t been in Preston to take pictures at the event, my high blood pressure would never have been picked up, so it’s a real wake up call for me.

"The biggest surprise was that there aren’t any obvious symptoms. I thought I would have known if I had high blood pressure."

High blood pressure has been dubbed a ‘silent killer’, with a lack of awareness about its importance, particularly among men.

Research from the Stroke Association reveals that 60 per cent of men in the UK are unaware of what their blood pressure should be.

In addition, men are at a 25 per cent higher risk of having a stroke and at a younger age compared to women.

Chris Milne, store manager at Vision Express in Preston, said: "Kevin’s experience underpins exactly why these events are so important. It proves that there is a job to be done to educate people about the dangers of high blood pressure and stroke, and we’re pleased to play a part by hosting the sessions.

“Many people are unaware of the link between stroke and vision. Up to 60 per cent of stroke survivors will experience visual problems, yet one in three stroke survivors are not warned that sight loss could be a problem or that treatment and support is available via our trained optometrists.”

Mr Shipley will continue to be monitored by his GP, to determine if treatment is necessary.