East Sussex stroke survivor adds his voice to Lost for Words campaign

East Sussex stroke survivor Ian Slater, 59, is one of the thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

Ian had several mini-strokes (also known as a TIA or transient ischaemic attack) in the weeks leading up to his stroke in 2007.

Ian said: “When I look back, I had all the obvious signs of a mini-stroke. I just wished I’d acted fast. Initially I ignored the numbness in my arm and leg, and the fact that my speech was slurring – I thought I was just having a funny turn and needed more rest.

“My stroke left me with communication difficulties, weakness down the right side of my body and problems with processing information.

It took me a few years to learn to live with the effects my stroke. I do still have occasional problems with my speech today and I have developed ways of finding alternative words, for example, so most people are not aware of the fact that I am a stroke survivor. I’ve also still got loss of sensitivity in my right hand and right side of my face.

“I decided not to let the condition beat me, so I continued studying, and returned to work. Over time I was able to begin drawing again, bought a Harley Davidson, and took up clay pigeon shooting. I have also recently finished renovating a cottage in the Scottish Highlands. I have worked hard to overcome any difficulties to fulfill both my personal and career aspirations.

“I was lucky I was not permanently physically disabled and I’m proud of where I am today, and keen to make more people aware of stroke and aphasia.”

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Supportat the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Ianhave difficulty communicating, which can be both terrifying and isolating. But with the right help and support, many stroke survivors are able to find new ways to communicate, and can rebuild their lives.”

More than 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia, a communication disability which can be caused by stroke. The Stroke Association is urging people to show their support for stroke survivors who are lost for words and make a donation. For more information, visit www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwords.