Press release -
Oxfordshire photographer wins Life After Stroke Award
Richard Raynor, 36, from Oxford, has been presented with a Life After Stroke Award for Creative Arts on behalf of the Stroke Association by broadcaster Mike Bushell and comedian Marcus Birdman at a glittering ceremony at the Dorchester hotel in London.
Richard was 30 years old and working as a business consultant when he had a stroke in 2012. His stroke left him with complete expressive aphasia, a communication difficulty which meant he was unable to speak, read or write.
Despite his almost complete loss of his speech, Richard remained positive. He threw himself into speech and language therapy, and focussed on living life to the fullest. For three months he attended the Oxford Centre for Enablement (OCE) to re-learn how to do basic tasks and speak again.
Unable to return to work, due to his very severe aphasia, Richard took up photography.His portfolio soon grew to include portraits and shots of landscapes, wildlife and sport. Richard now has a popular instagram account where he shares his images.
Richard uses his photos and images to help him make himself heard, recently giving a speech at his wedding using slides. He also uses slides to give speeches at hospitals to raise awareness about stroke and aphasia. He is also establishing a community interest company called PhotoAvenue to teach disadvantaged people about photography.
Richard said: “You only have one life, you have to live it well. Having a stroke changed many things, but I love the life I have now. I have a wonderful wife and family. I enjoy taking photographs and I am delighted to have my work recognised like this.”
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Around one in three stroke survivors has difficulty speaking and understanding, leaving them feeling lost for words. This can be terrifying and isolating. Richard is undoubtedly hugely talented, and his infectious positivity and inspiring attitude to his recovery shine through his photos”
The Life After Stroke Awards celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes who are helping to conquer stroke. Find out how you can help at www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwordsor search for #lostforwords
To find out more about the Life after Stroke Awards please visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa
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Notes to Editors
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
Lost for Words
After a stroke, around one in three survivors have difficulty speaking and understanding, which can be terrifying and isolating. But with the Stroke Association’s support, people can find new ways to communicate. Find out how you can help at www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwords or search for#lostforwords
Sponsors
The 2017 Life After Stroke Awards are sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation. More information can be found at: www.toniandguyfoundation.org.uk
