COLIN LYALL Founder of Say Aphasia and a peer leader who runs the drop in groups. Expand Colin is the founder of Say Aphasia, with the support of friends who have aphasia. He had a stroke in 2013 which resulted in him becoming aphasic. He began the charity three years later when another aphasia charity ceased to exist. He knew first hand how much of a positive impact a support group has. And so he set up his own charity so that he could continue a much needed support group in his local area. Colin was 50 when he had his stroke, and could not longer continue his career as a Director of a commercially designed building services solution company. He had worked at MTT Consultants for 12 years. After he had a stroke he could not go back to work with his new condition 'aphasia'. He lost his successful career and his house which his wife had recently designed into their dream home. Colin is an extremely positive and determined man, and so, he took it upon himself to set up a charity to help others just like him. The charity has given him purpose, goals to achieve and a new sense of success. He hopes that this charity will become that life line for others too.
Tim Charnock Tim helps run the drop in groups in Hove, Worthing and Eastbourne. Expand Tim suffered a stroke, and now has dysarthria. Although he doesn't have aphasia, he finds the charity hugely helpful. And he has supported the charity from day one. Dysarthria often is characterised by slurred or slow speech that can be difficult to understand. Common causes of dysarthria include nervous system (neurological) disorders such as stroke, brain injury, brain tumours, and conditions that cause facial paralysis or tongue or throat muscle weakness. Tim is still okay with reading writing and numbers. The charity helps to keep his mind busy.
Mark Chappell Mark is currently running the Skipton drop in group. Expand Mark had a haemorrhagic stroke in 2012, he has dysphasia and wants to provide a safe, non judgemental, monthly drop-in group for people with aphasia to boost their confidence and help them to engage with life again. There is not much support for people with aphasia in the North of England which is why he was keen to start a drop-in group in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Mark enjoys listening to music and radio comedy and has a great interest in drawing, particularly caricatures.
Nicole Munn Nicole helps with the groups in Sussex Expand I'm Nicole. I've had my stroke since 2008. I couldn't walk or talk. I was in a wheelchair for a long time but gradually I got on with life , although it's very hard! As a peer leader I welcome everyone to the groups at Eastbourne and Chichester. Everyone is nervous at the beginning but we try to reassure you. Our group is made up of different people but all have Aphasia. Some can't talk at all. Some gets words out but they have difficulty - but it doesn't matter, we have time to listen. The main thing is we all have something in common and that's a start.
Carole Turner Carole helps with the groups in Sussex Expand "Hi everyone. Hope you are all keeping as well as possible in these difficult times. With the drop ins closed at the moment, it’s really very hard for us all with aphasia to communicate. So I have written this message to you all just to say that I am thinking of you, and looking forward to seeing you very soon. I am missing all the laughter 😂. I want you to write or draw or video or whatever you can to remember this time, so we can share this with each other. Let’s remember we have survived strokes and brain injuries! This virus will not get us!!!! We are stroke/ aphasia warriors!!! Stay strong my lovely friends!"
David Mortimer David helps run the Hove drop in group every Friday. Expand David had a stroke in 2012, though fortunately he doesn't have aphasia, but the stroke left him half paralyse. He has become a great peer leader for the charity. He was extremely fortunate in that he didn't suffer from some of the usual deficiencies that follow a stroke so has decided to make the most of it. After a lifetime career in the aviation in the industry with Dan Air and then with a small tour operator, he felt well prepared to offer advice to those who find themselves in a similar position, and of course the more unfortunate stroke and aphasia victims.
Paul Stocken Paul helps with many of our groups and helps with our fundraising events. Expand Former vehicle locksmith, Paul had a stroke in 2008 at the age of 40. He could not return to work and so became a Peer Leader for the drop in groups in East Sussex. He also attends conferences for aphasia, and travels around the country to help raise awareness of aphasia and the charity.