A STROKE survivor who was left unable to speak is celebrating a milestone after making a speech as his daughter’s wedding.

Bill Eales, 84, from Ringwood, suffered a stroke in October 2016 and is one of thousands of people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.

He said: “I could talk a little bit but I soon realised I had a problem. Every day in hospital they showed me cards with objects on. I knew what they were, but I couldn’t say it. It was really frustrating.

“I easily forget words and sometimes I know exactly what I want to say, but it just doesn’t come out. I once went to a coffee shop and as I went to ask for my usual order, the words just disappeared.

“The waitress impatiently reeled off lots of different coffees she could make me, but I was so confused and felt under pressure. The words just wouldn’t come out. A few days later, I used a Stroke Association card which explains that I have aphasia to inform another shop keeper when I was buying a present for my brother in law’s birthday.”

Bill attended a series of Stroke Association communication support workshop sessions which helped to build his confidence.

He said: “I’m really proud of my recovery; three weeks ago, I was able to make a speech at my daughter’s wedding. That was a huge achievement for me.”

He is now backing the Stroke Association’s Lost for Words campaign which aims to raise awareness of the challenges stroke survivors with communication difficulties can face, and help and support available.

Yvonne Hobbs, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Bill have difficulty communicating, which can be both terrifying and isolating. But with the right help and support, many stroke survivors are able to find new ways to communicate, and can rebuild their lives.

“We’re so happy that Bill was able to make his speech at his daughter’s wedding.”

More than 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia. For more information, visit stroke.org.uk/lostforwords.