​Feniscowles stroke survivor adds their voice to Lost for Words campaign

Feniscowles stroke survivor Steve Hewitt, 69, is one of the thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

Steve had just retired in December 2009 after working as a self-employed joiner and carpenter. However, a stroke just three months later left him unable to speak.

Steve, a grandfather of four, was left with aphasia after a severe stroke in March 2010, and was only able to say ‘yes’, ‘no’ and a swear word. He was also unable to read or write at all, and it was extremely difficult for him to communicate. Now Steve is able to speak a little more but says: “It’s hard to find the words.”

Steve’s wife Jean said: “Steve can get frustrated when he can’t find the words he wants to say, but his speech is better when he doesn’t let himself get worked up. He finds it easier to talk when there are one or two people, but a group is much more difficult.”

Steve spent three months in hospital after his stroke and was then supported by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists for around nine months from Rakehead Unit Neuro Community Rehab. The Stroke Association Communication Support Service in Blackburn with Darwen visited Steve at home after his stroke, providing him with communication tools and inviting him to local support groups.

Steve is now a member of the charity’s Pennine Lancs Stroke Choir with Jean, where each fortnight he supports the choir with percussion at rehearsals, and helps to collect donations at performances.

Jean said: “Steve and I joined the choir in November 2015 when it started, and it’s gone from there. It’s so helpful for Steve to meet people in a similar situation and who understand what he’s going through.”

Steve’s grandchildren also help to get involved and encourage Steve’s communication. Jean added: “If there’s a group of people, Steve will tend to sit away, but our eldest granddaughter, Ella, will take his hand and encourage him to join in as much as he can.”

Steve is also currently taking part in a research project at Manchester University, to help further his recovery.

The Stroke Association’s Lost for Words campaign aims to raise awareness of the challenges stroke survivors with communication difficulties can face, and help and support available.

Andrea Walsh, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Steve have 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. Since Steve has been attending the choir he’s gone from strength to strength. I’m so proud of his recovery.”

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.