Five Years of Making a Difference

Please join us in saying a heartfelt thank you to Ian Potter who is stepping down from his trustee role at Aphasia Support after dedicating five years to supporting our charity.

Ian’s journey with Aphasia Support began in 2020, following a bypass, a stroke and the Covid lockdown. At the time, Ian didn’t realise he had aphasia. After getting in touch with Aphasia Support, things began to change.  

Reflecting on his experience, Ian said:

"I was a solicitor for 37 years. I retired at 60, and then suddenly, I had a stroke. I recovered pretty well, apart from my speech which was appalling. I'd never heard of aphasia. I was never told I had aphasia. I couldn't get any help, and I realised I had a big problem. Then I found the charity, Aphasia Support, which has been absolutely magnificent."

Ian joined our Board of Trustees in August 2021, and the following month he became a regular member of Barnsley Aphasia Café. Having previously worked as a lawyer, Ian brought valuable professional experience to the Board, alongside something equally important: his own lived experience of aphasia.

Ian is passionate about raising awareness of aphasia, knowing there are many people like him who may not even realise they have the condition. His journey has given him a personal understanding of why awareness matters and why people need to know that support is available.

"Thanks to Aphasia Support, I realised I can do more, I can be more positive, and now I'm back to 80% of what what it was before."

Our CEO, James Major, also shared his thanks to Ian:

“During his time as a trustee, Ian has given countless hours to the charity and has been a mentor for me personally. From shaping our strategy to advising on governance, legal matters and everything in between, Ian has been part of a remarkable period of development for the charity. Over the past five years, our finances have doubled, we’ve been to Parliament twice, and we’re helping more people than ever before. This is a testament to the immense contribution Ian has made, with his professional guidance, lived experience and thoughtful insight helping us stay focused on what matters most: supporting people with aphasia.” 

Although Ian has stepped down from the Board, he’ll continue attending the charity's much-loved Barnsley Aphasia Café, spending time with the friends he’s made, and the community he will always be a part of. 

As Ian himself says: “It's been a very, very enjoyable experience to help people with aphasia. I'm not going to sail into the sunset, you will see me again!”

Everyone at Aphasia Support would like to thank Ian for his time, generosity and dedication. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed, both as a trustee and as someone who understands first-hand the difference that support can make. 

As we thank Ian for his contribution, we begin our search for new trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of Aphasia Support. If this opportunity is of interest, please click here to find out more.