WATCHING Bolton Wanderers as they battle to avoid relegation is certainly stressful for fans at the moment.

So supporters were offered free blood pressure and pulse checks before last weekend’s crunch match against West Bromwich Albion at the Reebok Stadium.

The Stroke Association joined forces with the Whites to offer the checks and even held a pre-match balloon release on the pitch to try to lift the spirits of fans last Sunday.

Despite not having an impact on the result, which means Wanderers now have to beat Stoke on Sunday and QPR lose against Manchester City, the scheme has been backed by celebrity Bolton fans.

Bolton supporter, stroke survivor and Dragon’s Den personality Hilary Devey gave her support to the team, and the stroke campaign.

She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic my team Bolton Wanderers supported the Stroke Association in raising stroke awareness at their match on Sunday.

“No-one expects to have a stroke. It can happen out of the blue and turn your life upside down.

“Yet, every day many stroke survivors go on to make incredible recoveries and achievements after their stroke with the right support.”

Liz Roberts from the Stroke Association added: “Thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels, and a lot of people we tested were shocked to hear their blood pressure was high.”

Leading figures in Bolton have backed the Whites to stay up following this weekend’s crunch game against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

People can sign up to the Stroke Association campaign at stroke.org.uk/strokemonth