Simon

Life Before Aphasia

Before his stroke, Simon’s life was rooted in creativity, independence, and skilled work. Living in Harrogate (after moving from Crawley in 2002), Simon always made time to follow his passions of music and creative writing. This led him to work with precision instruments at a local company in a role he really enjoyed.

 

Gut Feelings

Around five years ago, Simon’s life changed suddenly when he experienced a stroke. He recognised some problems beforehand, saying: “My tongue felt strange. I thought, this isn’t right.” But nothing fully prepared him for what followed.

Whilst at home, Simon collapsed. His wife, Catherine, found him and immediately called for an ambulance. Simon was taken to Leeds where it was confirmed he had suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with aphasia. This was the start of a lengthy stay in hospital, from September through to November of that year.  

Simon remembers very little from that time, but the impact was immediate. His ability to communicate changed everything. He had to stop working, driving, playing music and writing stories. His world felt small, and much less vibrant.

 

Life After Stroke

The stroke significantly altered daily life for both Simon and his wife. Tasks that once felt routine were no longer possible in the same way.

“I couldn’t do anything, so Catherine was everything.”

The couple used to enjoy road trips, but Simon was the only one who could drive. Soon after Simon’s stroke, Catherine made the decision to learn how to drive – giving them back a sense of independence.

 

Living with Aphasia

Communication has been one of Simon’s biggest challenges since his stroke. He finds speaking and writing particularly difficult.

“Speaking and writing is hard. Short bursts are better. Longer… I can’t.” 

Progress hasn’t always been easy or obvious to him.

“Only when I see people, they say ‘oh you’re good’ - but I can’t see it. It’s slow progress.”

Like many people with aphasia, Simon experiences frustration, especially when his improvements don’t feel as noticeable from his own perspective.

Despite these challenges, Simon has found practical ways to support his communication in everyday life. He often uses his phone to help bridge the gap - sharing pictures when words are difficult, using Google to look up information, or pointing at maps to show where he’s been or where he’s going. These tools have become an important part of how he navigates communication and maintains his independence.

 

Finding Support and Rebuilding Confidence

Simon joined his local Aphasia Support group around two years ago, although he admits:

“I wish I didn’t need to.”

Despite this, the group has played an important role in his recovery. Being around others who understand what he’s going through has helped reduce feelings of isolation.

“I enjoy coming.”

“It’s better. I made friends. It’s nice being around others who understand.”

“Sometimes I think ‘I can’t do much’ but I can.”

Through the group, Simon has found encouragement, connection, and friendship - things that have helped him begin to rebuild his confidence and communication skills.

 

Banging the Drum

Developing his confidence has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of joining the group, especially when it led to Simon reconnecting with his creative passions.

Music, in particular, has returned to his life in a new way. Now part of a band, Simon plays the bodhrán (Irish drum), adapting his technique to work around the physical effects of his stroke.

Although the stroke affected his hands, Simon found ways to adapt - relearning how to play using a different hand, whilst laying the drum on his knee. What started as something small has grown into a significant achievement.

“I played a little bit before, but learnt properly after I had my stroke.”

“I probably wouldn’t play my instrument without the group.”

 

Blending Fact and Fiction

Writing has also become a renewed focus. Inspired and supported by Catherine, Simon has now returned to writing a book he started before his stroke.

Working in manageable, bite-sized chunks, he began writing again in October. Together, they are developing characters and shaping the storyline - bringing his ideas back to life.

“We’ve written all of part one. Now, part two.”

Set in 1928, it depicts an American girl and is centred around tennis – a perfect blend of fact and fiction, reigniting his creativity and confidence to express himself.

 

Progress and Achievements

Over the past few years, Simon has shown so much strength and resilience. He’s taken a devastating experience and used every opportunity to reconnect with the things that matter most to him, gradually rebuilding his life in meaningful ways.

Simon is most proud of regaining a sense of purpose through music and writing - two things that spark joy and continue to motivate him. These achievements have shown him what he can do, opening up his world and reigniting his passion. Having support to pursue these creative outlets has been an important part of his recovery, helping him to communicate with growing confidence and discover a renewed sense of identity.

 

Looking Ahead

Simon’s determination, creativity, and willingness to adapt have been genuinely inspiring. His approach to finding new ways to communicate and re-engage with the things he loves has encouraged those around him and highlights the value of believing in yourself, even when progress feels slow.

For Simon, recovery is about adaptation and continuing to engage with the things that matter most to him. His local Aphasia Support group remains an important part of that journey - offering understanding, encouragement, and a space where he feels less alone. Without it, both Simon and others in similar situations would miss out on vital connection, confidence-building, and the opportunity to rediscover what’s still possible.

If you'd like to hear more about our Harrogate Aphasia Cafe, or discover group support local to you, please click here to view our current locations or get in touch with our team by calling 0300 102 3500.