A stroke survivor left unable to speak to her son has backed a charity campaign pleading for donations.
Joslyn Attico-Bona, 50, of Islington, had a severe stroke last year when her son was just three. It left her with no speech and affected the movement in the right side of her body and a year on she can only say a few words.
Every week she goes to the Stroke Association’s Communication Support Group at the Islington Outlook Centre in Archway, and she also attends the association’s Aphasia Cafe every fortnight.
The charity has now launched Lost for Words – a campaign aiming to raise awareness of the challenges stroke survivors face with communication and encourage people to donate.
Joslyn’s husband, Alberto, said: “Joslyn’s aphasia can be so upsetting and frustrating. The association’s support has really helped to give her different tools to help rebuild her communication.
“We’re determined not to give up, and we’ll do everything we can to help Joslyn recover from this.”
Stroke Association’s Cameron Smillie said: “After a stroke, around one in three people like Joslyn 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.”
To donate, visit stroke.org.uk/lostforwords.
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