Comedian under pressure at health fun day (From The Bolton News)

Comedian under pressure at health fun day

8:08am Monday 17th September 2012 in News

IT may not be the most obvious place for a day out — but comedian Dave Spikey was among the hundreds of people who enjoyed a day of fun at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

A health fair was held for the first time on Saturday to give people of all ages the chance to meet staff and learn more about keeping well in a fun environment.

Visitors could test their strength, have a go on a climbing wall, take part in games and activities and even experience an inflatable walk-in bowel.

Mr Spikey had his blood pressure taken and enjoyed a ride on a smoothie bike —which uses pedal power to blend fruit into a drink.

The 60-year-old, who spent his early career working as a biomedical scientist in the haematology laboratory at the hospital, said: “I’m looking forward to the inflatable bowel. It’s a wonderful event, I first started at Bolton Royal Infirmary and then the General and it’s grown.

Medicine has progressed so much, it’s fantastic. It’s important for the community to see what’s going on.”

Youngsters enjoyed sitting in a fire engine and taking part in a mini keepfit session.

Public health manager Audrey Howarth, who is responsible for cancer and screening, said: “Both adults and children are intrigued with the inflatable walk-in bowel.

We talk about these things but to be able to see it and have that understanding about the condition, I think it resonates with people.”

A wealth of information was on offer, from the wheelchair service to infection prevention and control, diabetes and other conditions.