Nick Cann

Peer Leader Stories

Nick - Abergavenny Support Group Peer Leader

 

Before his stroke

Before his stroke, Nick led a full, fast-paced and highly sociable life. As Chief Executive at the Institute of Financial Planning, he travelled extensively around the world, including to the United States, Hong Kong and Tokyo. His work involved a lot of networking and public speaking, often in front of audiences of thousands.  

Alongside his professional life, Nick also performed stand-up comedy in London and Bath, showcasing his natural humour and stage presence. 

 

Stroke onset

Nick was 50 when he experienced his stroke. It occurred while he was delivering a lecture at Northampton University. He was taken by ambulance to Northampton Hospital and was later transferred to a hospital in Oxford for more specialist care. 

The experience was overwhelming for his wife, Jo, and their children. Nick had never heard of aphasia before his stroke and was shocked by the diagnosis. Initially, he had no speech at all. 

 

Communication 

Nick’s aphasia primarily affects his ability to form sentences, construct phrases and use prepositions. His reading and writing are less affected, allowing him to stay connected through written language. Singing is not affected by his aphasia and Nick takes full advantage of this by participating in Strike A Chord, a choir for stroke survivors, which he greatly enjoys for both the music and the social connection it provides.

 

Living with aphasia 

The greatest impact of aphasia on Nick’s life has been the loss of his career, which had been a central part of his identity. Having led such a busy, outward-facing professional life, stepping away from that world was a profound adjustment. 

Nick emphasises that confidence and a sense of humour are key to living well with aphasia. He encourages others with aphasia not to apologise for their difficulties and takes time to explain the condition to anyone unfamiliar with it. Technology has been a valuable tool for Nick; he actively uses LinkedIn, Facebook and X to share information, particularly during Aphasia Awareness Month in June. 

Nick has also been heavily involved in fundraising for stroke and aphasia, raising a remarkable £130,000. He was awarded a British Empire Medal for his efforts. The British Empire Medal is a British and Commonwealth award for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal, which had been established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire.

 

Support 

Nick describes his family and friends as very supportive. Aphasia has made it more difficult for Nick to share jokes and enjoy the easy, spontaneous conversations he once took for granted. Moments that used to feel effortless can now require patience and concentration. 

However, Nick maintains a very positive outlook and feels that the experience has ultimately brought his family closer together.  He also connects with others who have experienced stroke and aphasia through FaceTime and Zoom, maintaining a sense of community and shared understanding.

 

Say Aphasia 

Nick first learned about Say Aphasia when he met founder Colin Lyall at a conference in Warwick. They quickly connected through their shared age and sense of humour and became good friends. 

Inspired by the organisation, Nick decided to help set up a new support group in Abergavenny, where he now volunteers as a Peer Leader. Meetings, held at a local tea room, provide a relaxed space for connection and conversation over cups of tea and plenty of cake. The group, of usually around six people, uses the sessions to work on communication skills. They utilise a tablet and the Tactus Therapy app, which offers exercises for naming, comprehension, reading and writing.

Nick values the sessions greatly, but admits they can be tiring, as they require sustained concentration and effort to communicate.  Nick is grateful to the charity for providing friendship, networking opportunities and a sense of fun and humour. 

 

A Message to Others 

Nick’s message to those without aphasia is simple: listen. Everything is there – it just takes a little extra time to connect the dots.

 

-Written by Eleanor Daniels

Learn more about Nick Cann here