Norfolk stroke survivor adds her voice to Lost for Words campaign

Press release -

Norfolk stroke survivor adds her voice to Lost for Words campaign

Norfolk stroke survivor Shirley Willcox, 81, is one of the thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

Shirley, from Upwell, had a severe stroke last June which left her with limited speech and affected her memory. Shirley now attends the Stroke Association’s Communication Support Group in West Norfolk each week, alongside her husband John.

Shirley said: “My speech can be frustrating at times. I sometimes forget words which can be really annoying, and I easily get confused. My family have been wonderful, they have all helped me to have the confidence to keep going.

“Whilst my speech can get me down some days, I always try to be positive and happy. I’m very thankful to the speech and language therapists, the Stroke Association and my family for all their support.

“I’ve just joined the Stroke Association’s Singing and Music group in Swaffham. I used to play the organ in my local church, so music has always played a huge part of my life. The group has inspired me to get back into music which is so enjoyable.”

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.

Gemma Smith, Stroke Association Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Shirleyhave 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.

“When we first started supporting Shirley, we knew just how determined she was to communicate with her loved ones again. Shirley has gone from strength to strength; after her stroke she attended our weekly Communication and Long Term Support Service in West Norfolk, she now attends our monthly communication sessions in Downham. Shirley has also had incredible support from her Speech and Language Therapist, Sarah Manley. Sarah has supported Shirley enormously, and there has been such a huge improvement in Shirley’s speech and confidence each month. I’m so proud of her 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.


Topics

  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

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    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK