A STROKE survivor left struggling to talk hopes to raise awareness of the communication difficulties the condition can cause.

Steve Hewitt, from Feniscowles, Blackburn, suffered a severe stroke in March 2010, just three months after retiring from his work as a self-employed joiner.

The grandfather-of-four was left with aphasia after the stroke and was only able to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and a swear word.

He was unable to read or write at all, and it was extremely difficult for him to communicate.

Now Mr Hewitt, 69, is able to speak a little more but said: “It’s hard to find the words.”

He has pledged his support to 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.

His wife Jean said: “Steve can get frustrated when he can’t find the words he wants to say, but his speech is better when he doesn’t let himself get worked up.

“He finds it easier to talk when there are one or two people, but a group is much more difficult.”

After his stroke, he spent three months in hospital, and was then supported by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists for around nine months from Rakehead Unit Neuro Community Rehab.

The Stroke Association communication support service in Blackburn with Darwen visited Mr Hewitt at home after his stroke, providing him with communication tools and inviting him to support groups.

He is now a member of the charity’s Pennine Lancs stroke choir with his wife, where each fortnight he supports the choir with percussion at rehearsals, and helps to collect donations at performances.

Jean said: “Steve and I joined the choir in November 2015 when it started, and it’s gone from there.

“It’s so helpful for Steve to meet people in a similar situation and who understand what he’s going through.”

She said his grandchildren also help to get involved and encourage Mr Hewitt’s communication.

She added: “If there’s a group of people, Steve will tend to sit away, but our eldest granddaughter, Ella, will take his hand and encourage him to join in as much as he can.”

Mr Hewitt is also currently taking part in a research project at Manchester University, to help further his recovery.

Andrea Walsh, communication support coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Steve 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.

“Since Steve has been attending the choir he’s gone from strength to strength.

“I’m so proud of his recovery.”

More than 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia, a communication disability which can be caused by stroke.

For more information about The Stroke Association, people can visit www.stroke.org.uk/lostforwords.