WHEN Linda Deary popped into a free NHS health check to get some shelter from the rain - she had no idea that decision would save her life.

The 55-year-old mum-of-four of Durham Road, Southend discovered her blood sugar was at dangerously high levels and she was a “ticking timebomb that could drop dead at any second”.

Swimming instructor, Mrs Deary was urged to visit her GP without delay. She said: “It was quite unbelievable really. I’d been shopping and it started raining heavily. I still had plenty of time left on my parking ticket and saw the mobile unit so thought I would shelter from the rain by having a free health check.

“When the nurse saw my blood sugar level, she said it was the highest reading she had ever seen and that I should contact my GP immediately. I went home and called my GP surgery. At first, they could not see me for a few days but when I told them the results of my NHS health check, they said could I be there in one hour.

“My GP sent me to the hospital for further tests and when I was called back by I was told I was in effect a ticking timebomb who could have dropped dead at any moment.”

Mrs Deary’s blood sugar reading was 22 when the normal level is between four and seven. A reading of 13 is said to put a patient in “mortal danger”.

She added: “The scary thing is I felt perfectly well in myself and had no symptoms. I swim six days a week, ride horses and eat healthily. If I hadn’t decided to take advantage of that free NHS health check, it’s possible I wouldn’t be here today. I’m so grateful to the team from Anglian Community Enterprise.

“That check was the best 15 minutes time I’ve ever invested.”

She is now on medication to bring down her sugar levels and has also been referred for an eye scan and a thyroid biopsy.

James Moyies, Southend councillor responsible for health and adult social care, said: “This is a great story showing how important these simple routine tests are.

“They can flag up issues which may not now show any outward symptoms at all, but could develop into something more serious in future. In this instance, a potentially life-threatening blood sugar level has been bought down by medication thanks to a free NHS health check.

“I would urge anyone over 40 years old to take the check and I hope this story convinces people to do so.”

The check includes measurement of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and waist measurement. A risk calculation is carried out and personalised advice offered about how to stay healthy. All results are given to people at the time of their health check screen as well as shared with their GP practice.

To find out when the mobile unit is next in your vicinity, telephone 0800 022 4524.