An angel saved his life
source: Gloucestershire Echo
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=84261&command=displayContent&sourceNode=84260&contentPK=2310768

As a result of the heavenly intervention, the man was diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease and treated before it could kill him.

Nursery boss Chris Evans was working away at his business in Bamfurlong, near Staverton, when a customer approached him without warning and asked him if his feet had grown recently.

He was taken aback because his shoe size had gone up from a 10 to 11 in the past year.

He told the woman his friends were often telling him that his hands were growing.

She then asked him if his eyesight was deteriorating. When he said it was, which Mr Evans thought was due to getting older, she advised him to get a blood test.

Mr Evans, who hasn't seen the woman since, said: "I was astonished by what she had to say.

"I didn't know if there was anything in it but I knew that I had to get it checked out by the doctor.

"My father died shortly before her visit and I can't help wondering if he sent her down to look after me as a guardian angel."

The blood test showed Mr Evans had a rare hormonal disorder called acromegaly.

It causes the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain, to make too much growth hormone.

The illness can lead to diabetes, hypertension and heart problems and, in the worst cases, be fatal.

Mr Evans said: "I did my research and found that three in a million people develop the condition every year.

"Up to 60 people in every million suffer from it at any one time.

"I was delighted that this woman was brave enough to come up to a complete stranger and tell me that she suspected I had a serious condition."

Are you the mystery woman or do you know who she is? If so, please ring the Echo news desk on 01242 271231 or send an email to: news@glosecho.co.uk .