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.