Famous Faces

Celebrities, MPs and other famous faces lent their support to the nation's biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event. Here's what some of them have to say about why they backed the BPA's Know your Numbers!® Week 2007.

List of celebrities supporting Know your Numbers! Week 2008, click here

Colin Jackson- Presenter and former 110m Olympic hurdler who ranked in the world top 10 for 16 years

"I fully support the Blood Pressure Association's Know your Numbers! campaign. High blood pressure is the biggest cause of death and disability through strokes and heart disease in the UK, but we can all take steps to reduce our risk. Along with eating a healthy diet, exercise plays a vital part in lowering blood pressure, and you don't have to reach Olympic status like me to make a big difference to your health. Just being more active, such as using the stairs rather than the lift, taking the dog on a longer walk, cycling to work or taking up a sport you enjoy will all make a difference. But the first step to reducing your risk is to know your numbers, so make the time to have a quick and painless blood pressure check today."

Saira Khan- TV presenter and former contestant on BBC One's The Apprentice

"I am supporting the Blood Pressure Association's Know your Numbers! campaign because I believe it's really important for us all to start taking responsibility for our own health. Since people of South Asian descent are more likely to have diabetes or a heart attack, it's vital that we keep our blood pressure well controlled. High blood pressure affects one in three people in the UK, and is the biggest cause of death and disability through stroke and heart attack. But by having a quick, free and painless blood pressure check, we can all take the first step in reducing our risk."

Michael Duberry (defender) and John Oster (midfielder) Reading Football Club

"It’s shocking to learn that there are millions of people out there who have high blood pressure but are unaware of it, and are putting themselves at risk of stroke and heart attack. Having a blood pressure check is quick, painless and free, so tell your mum, dad, friends - everyone you know – to get their blood pressure checked during the BPA’s Know Your Numbers! Week to help them stay healthy – now and in the future."

Dr Rob Hicks GP and lifestyle management expert, Classic FM radio doctor and regularly appears on TV

"I am supporting the BPA's Know your Numbers!® campaign because it’s vitally important that everyone has their blood pressure checked and knows their numbers. Left untreated high blood pressure silently causes damage throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Having your blood pressure checked is simple, painless, and only takes a few minutes, but the benefits can be enormous."

List of celebrities supporting Know your Numbers! Week 2008, click here

Links:
MPs
Supporters
How you can help