A DEADLY ticking time bomb condition which claims thousands of lives each year will not get the better of Bolton Wanderers fans.

For the club held free screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – a swelling of the aorta, the biggest blood vessel in the body – at the Macron.

Male season ticket holders aged 65 and over were invited to be checked over in the home dressing rooms before receiving a tour of the stadium by former Whites players.

About 100 fans signed up to undergo the five-minute screenings, with aneurysms detected in three men and sub-aneurysmal aortas – those likely to swell in future – in a further two.

After an overwhelming response, a second screening for 150 fans this Saturday is already fully booked.

Andrew Dean, the club’s promotions manager, said: “The response has been exceptional. Carol Devine from South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, who we teamed up with to organise the screenings, was over the moon and said it far exceeded her expectations.”

The idea to hold screening sessions at the club was suggested by former Bolton Wanderers player Ian Seddon who was spurred on after his friend, Stoke City legend Terry Conroy nearly died from the condition.

Mr Conroy had no idea he had been suffering from an AAA until it ruptured in March 2011 and he collapsed in the street.

After being rushed to hospital for emergency life-saving surgery, he lived to tell the tale and was on hand to chat to supporters last month alongside Mr Seddon and fellow Wanderers stars Syd Farrimond, John Thomas, Albert Lord and Stan Walker.

Mr Conroy, aged 68, said: “AAA is a ticking time bomb you are not aware of, so screening of men aged 65 and over is vital.”

AAA is most common in men aged over 65, with ruptures accounting for 6,000 deaths in England and Wales each year.

But research has shown the screening test – a quick ultrasound of the stomach – reduces that number by about 50 per cent.

Carol Devine, AAA Screening Programme Manager for Greater Manchester and East Cheshire, said; “The event proved extremely popular and we were thrilled that there was such a positive response from supporters of Bolton Wanderers.

“Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most common in men aged over 65, so initiatives such as this out in the community are vital.

“The screening is so simple, but can help save lives and we look forward to maintaining close links with the football club.”

For more information about the screening programme call 0161 291 5716.