Local Man’s Life-Changing Discovery at Routine Health Check

What started as a routine workplace health check, turned into a life-changing moment for Matt Dady, a Senior Streetscene Operations Officer with Reading Borough Council (RBC). During a free health assessment offered through his employer, Matt was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes—an unexpected discovery that led him to lose over two stone in weight and take back control of his health.

“I had no idea I was at risk,” said Matt. “The health check not only gave me peace of mind but also completely changed my lifestyle for the better.”

Reading Borough Council launched the workplace health checks last year as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even dementia for employees aged 30+. Delivered in partnership with Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, the checks assess diabetes risk, cholesterol, and blood pressure, providing vital support to help people stay healthy and well.

Matt continued: “I can’t believe how much my life has changed for the better after just taking 20 minutes to complete one of these tests. It was totally unexpected.

“To lose 2st 5lbs 7 ounces is an incredible feeling as I’ve been wanting to lose weight for years. I’m a gamer, so admittedly I’m not very active and I love my fry ups, but this has given me a whole new lease of life.”

As a result of the diagnosis, Matt was put onto The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme by his GP, which involves a Total Dietary Replacement (TDR) plan, and has successfully put his diabetes in remission. However, Matt’s life-changing discovery has also seen several other health benefits including no longer experiencing acid reflux or suffering with sleep apnoea. In addition to physical improvements, Matt says his overall mental wellbeing has been given a boost. He feels energised, accomplished and more confident.

He went on to say “This is the best I’ve ever felt, and it’s made me look at life differently. On the whole, I just feel a lot happier."

The free employee health checks have seen nearly 250 Reading Council staff benefit, with over 101 staff members referred on to their GP for a health condition they wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

Dr Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said:

“NHS health checks help people to get an overview of their general health and are a fast, effective method of finding out if there are some simple things they could be doing to improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

“We know men are more likely to put off seeing a doctor, so it’s been hugely inspiring to hear Matt’s story and we’re so pleased it’s detected his diabetes before it became more serious. As a council it’s important we support people to stay well."

Residents of Reading aged between 40-74, that do not have a pre-existing health condition, can also get a free health check via The NHS Health Check scheme through their GP. The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and usually includes:

• measuring your height and weight
• measuring your waist
• a blood pressure test
• a cholesterol test, and possibly a blood sugar level test, which is usually a finger-prick blood test. You may be asked to have a blood test at or before the NHS Health Check

People will usually be told their NHS Health Check results during the appointment.

Alternatively, the Community Wellness Outreach (CWO) project run full health check sessions, particularly focused on people who may not attend for an NHS Health Check at a GP surgery. These sessions are held in a variety of community settings and delivered by nurses from Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Matt Dady finished by saying:

“My plea to anyone who reads this and seems to have a similar story to me is go get a health check. Something so small could make a huge difference. I’ve had such a positive response from my family and colleagues who are also going to go get health checks.

“As a line manager I also felt it was important to set an example to my team, but even my boss said he’s been inspired to take a check. As a family, it’s encouraged my partner, daughter and son-in-law to open up and talk more about our health. I’d really encourage anyone else out there to prioritise getting this check. Even if my story helps one person, that’s enough for me."

Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education at Reading Borough Council, Ruth McEwan, said:

“We are so pleased to hear of such a positive outcome for Matt and have been hugely inspired by his story. I plan on booking a health check myself and I encourage everyone who’s eligible to go book one today. As we all know, our lives get so busy but taking 20 minutes to do this could be the difference between life and death. I’m pleased to hear Matt’s story has had such a positive effect on the community around him too."

Media Contact: Chloe Reynolds 07803408757