Ringwood stroke survivor adds his voice to Lost for Words campaign

Press release -

Ringwood stroke survivor adds his voice to Lost for Words campaign

Ringwood stroke survivor, Bill Eales, 84, is one of the thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

Bill had a stroke October 2016 which left him unable to speak. Bill said: “I could talk a little bit but I soon realised I had a problem. Every day in hospital they showed me cards with objects on. I knew what they were, but I couldn’t say it. It was really frustrating.

“I easily forget words and sometimes I know exactly what I want to say, but it just doesn’t come out. I once went to a coffee shop and as I went to ask for my usual order, the words just disappeared. The waitress impatiently reeled off lots of different coffees she could make me, but I was so confused and felt under pressure. The words just wouldn’t come out. A few days later, I used a Stroke Association card which explains that I have aphasia to inform another shop keeper when I was buying a present for my brother in laws birthday. This was very helpful.”

“After my stroke the Stroke Association supported me. Attending communication sessions and group meetings has helped to build my confidence, and speak to others who are in the same position as me. I’m really proud of my recovery; three weeks ago, I was able to make a speech at my daughter’s wedding. That was a huge achievement for me, and one I’m so thankful for and extremely proud of.”

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.

Yvonne Hobbs, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Billhave 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.

“We’re so happy that Bill was able to make his speech at his daughter’s wedding. After his stroke, Bill attended a series of Stroke Association communication support workshop sessions, and then went on to attend our Moving Forward Stroke Support group in Milford. Since attending both groups, 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.

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