Ditton stroke survivor John struggles to speak but can belt out a song

A Ditton man who has difficulty speaking after having a stroke astonishes people when he bursts into song.

John Beadle’s stroke left him with aphasia, a language and communication disability which leaves people struggling to speak, read, write or understand the written and spoken word.

But, as singing is controlled by a different part of the brain, John can still belt out his old favourites such as Dancing Queen and Sweet Caroline with other stroke survivors at the Stroke Association’s West Kent Stroke Group.

His daughter Jacquie said: “Dad’s confidence grows once we get to the Sing and Smile sessions run by the Stroke Association. His cheeky sense of humour comes out again and we don’t usually see this anymore.

“He joins in with the others and properly belts out the tunes he knows. I love these sessions - it’s like I am out with pre-stroke Dad.”

John, 87, is sharing his story in support of the Stroke Association during Stroke Awareness Month to highlight the positive impact music and singing can have for stroke survivors. 

John’s stroke, which happened in January 2017 while he was asleep, left him with a range of physical and emotional difficulties, as well as aphasia, and he now also uses a wheelchair.

It ended the lifestyle he’d being enjoying with his wife Audrey after retiring from running his own marine insurance recovery company. The couple enjoyed cruises and weekends away, while John played golf two or three times and week and was a very active member of the Masons.

John was supported by the Stroke Association’s West Kent Stroke Recovery Service which helps offers stroke survivors opportunities to regain confidence and independence, helping them to rebuild their lives after stroke. 

Now John is unable to travel and enjoy holidays abroad, he has instead found new joy at the stroke group.

John said: “The West Kent Stroke Group has been a great support to me and my family. I attend the art group and sing and smile. I look forward to both, but the sing and smile is my favourite. I have made friends there and we laugh. I feel so much better when I come out. I cannot read the words, but I enjoy singing the old songs that I know.”

John says when he’s asked about his aphasia, that he describes it as “the thing in my brain which makes it hard.”

Jacquie said people often think that because her dad can’t speak properly that his intelligence has been affected but that’s not the case. John still enjoys going to the Masons and they’ve given him the honour of reading prayers at the meeting.

She said: “Dad learns by listening and repeating it back. People have asked if Dad has capacity because of the words that he chooses, even those within the medical profession. If Dad is asked to confirm his date of birth and address, he’ll get the year wrong but he‘ll know that it’s wrong. It’s silly things - he’s described me as his son instead of his daughter and he’s hopeless with names but friends accept that.”

A recent survey by the Stroke Association found that over half of stroke survivors said that singing, listening to music or playing an instrument had a positive impact on their stroke recovery, with two in five saying music had a massive impact on their recovery. 

The Stroke Association is encouraging people to raise their own voices to help stroke survivors get the vital support they need after the devastating impact of a stroke. The charity has launched Sing4Stroke, a new fundraising initiative where people can sing wherever they like - at home, on a live stream, at the office, at school or organise their own event, to raise vital funds to support stroke survivors and their families. 

Nick O’Donohue, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South East, said: “Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. It can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow. With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible. 

“The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, funds vital stroke research, and campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.    

“By raising your voice for stroke survivors this May, you can help stroke survivors like John and their loved ones to find strength through support. Sign up to Sing4Stroke at www.stroke.org.uk/singing 

The Sing and Smile group is a fun singing group for stroke survivors and their carers. Led by professional choirmaster Joe Shepherd, they meet monthly throughout the year.

Volunteer Jill Woodard said: “The group is very popular. Joe is a very talented man who always makes the sessions fun with lots of laughter.

“It helps the members and volunteers mentally and physically and we all leave with a very big smile. No singing experience is needed. It's a great opportunity to express yourself and meet others along the way.”

Sing and Smile is one of three activity groups which are part of the West Kent Group.

There is also a social group, where stroke survivors meet for tea coffee and games, and a friendly art group led by professional artist and tutor Steve Mcgill. It’s open to all abilities and you can learn new methods of drawing, painting and sketching whilst enjoying the company of other stroke survivors.

All the groups meet at St Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone. To find out more, go the Stroke Association’s website www.stroke.org.uk and click on support, or email jill.woodard@stroke.org.uk.