Tribute to Graham Johnson

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Graham Johnson, an inspirational founding member of Aphasia Support.

Graham was a huge driving force behind the creation of our charity in 2011, previously known as 'Speak with IT'. He served as a passionate trustee for over seven years, crafting and championing our mission to create a world where every person with aphasia has access to support and can communicate with confidence. The mission he created has transformed the lives of local people with aphasia and their families, and will continue to leave a lasting legacy.

James Major, CEO of Aphasia Support, shares how we will always honour the foundations Graham helped to build:

"There are very few people you meet who leave as lasting an impression as Graham Johnson.

I first met him in 2017 before I started working for the charity, but after I had been appointed into my role. He came to my house to meet me and fill in the new starter paper work. He met my partner Katy, and my son Ben. He was so passionate about the charity, and I had never before received such a personal introduction to an employer. Looking back, I think this introduction helped to seal my affinity with what was once 'Speak with IT' and later became Aphasia Support.

It was not just me that got the personal visit from Graham. He did this with every new volunteer we welcomed at the time. One story I remember is how he drove out to see a new volunteer in Sheffield on two separate occasions. Each time, the volunteer (a university student), forgot he was coming! On one occasion Graham got a parking ticket for his efforts. I can’t remember if we reimbursed him for this, but knowing Graham, he probably wouldn’t have put a claim in!

There is no doubting that Graham was a tremendous help to me personally, particularly in the first 3 years of my role. The stories he told about how 'Speak With IT' was created have left a lasting impression on me, and continue to inspire our entire team. He was an exceptional person who made an extraordinary difference, and his vision and values will continue to guide us for years to come."

We need more Graham Johnson’s in this world and he will be sadly missed.