​Eastwood stroke survivor adds his voice to Lost for Words campaign

Eastwood stroke survivor Michael Boswell, 57, is one of the thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

Michael had a stroke six years ago, after experiencing pins and needles in his arms for months. After going back and forth to the doctors, Michael was sent to hospital for scans, which showed he’d actually had a stroke.

Michael’s stroke left him unable to use his right arm and with aphasia, which has affected his communication. His partner Alan Morecroft, 54, said: “Sometimes Michael can hold a conversation and other times he knows what he wants to say, but can’t get the words out. He’s a lot better now than he was.

Michael said: “Alan tells me to take my time, slow down and not to get frustrated. If I can’t say the words, I’ll draw a picture. We get round one way or another.”

Both Michael and Alan are now volunteers for the Stroke Association’s Communication Support Group in Heanor, after Michael received support from the charity. Alan added: “Volunteering at the group helps people to see there can be life after stroke, by showing how far Michael has come.”

Michael has also just finished making a Stroke Association-branded rug for the charity to display in their office.

Alan said: “Michael had made rugs in the past but after he had his stroke, he struggled to do it. About six months ago, I bought him some jigsaw puzzles which boosted his confidence and convinced him to start making rugs and mats again. It took him three months to complete!”

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.

Emma Voyle, Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Michael 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. Michael has 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.