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.
Emma Virrill Appointed to the Board of Trustees in September 2016 Expand I worked at MTT as Colin’s PA for 7 years before he had his stroke. I am pleased to now be a trustee of Say Aphasia to continue providing support. I hope that my financial and administrative experience provides assistance to the day to day running of such a fantastic charity.
Kate Swinburn Expand I am Kate Swinburn. I joined Say Aphasia as a new trustee in 2021. I am a Speech & Language Therapist. Past work: I worked in the NHS for 10 years (in hospitals & in the community), and at Connect – training / publications / policy work until 2013. Since 2013, I’ve done paid freelance work: * supported vulnerable people attending court, * parents who are struggling with young kids. * I’ve advised local health services how to listen to patients (with and without communication disability). Future work: I’m really excited to be asked to work with Say Aphasia. Say Aphasia is a young charity, with dedicated leaders and committed members. It does brilliant work. I hope Say Aphasia have a strong, sustainable future for the charity. Beyond work: I live in Bath. I have 3 grown up kids (one of whom lives in Brighton). I live with my husband, Richard and our Labrador Gertie