Aphasia

Aphasia affects the ability to communicate after the brain has suffered damage to its communication centres. usually caused by a stroke, brain haemorrhage, head injury or a brain tumour, it can make it hard to read, write, speak or follow conversations.

As it affects communication, it has a huge impact on people’s lives. It can change relationships, the ability to carry out employment, amongst other effects.

However, whilst it affects 350,000 people in the UK, more than well known diseases such as Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, it is relatively unknown. I myself hadn’t heard of it until this year, and its less known status means those living with Aphasia can suffer increased loneliness and isolation.

I’m running Brighton half to raise awareness of Aphasia, and support the work SayAphasia do in providing vital support to those living with Aphasia to help with recovery and/or improve their quality of life living with it. Martin Petry