The 29th of October will be World Stroke Day. Along with my family, I know all too well the incredible impact stroke can have, both for the stroke victim, and the supporting family. Over 240 people a day wake up to the catastrophic impact of stroke. Some stroke survivors can have difficulties speaking after a stroke, this is known as aphasia. This can be extremely challenging, but recovery is sometimes possible. Singing can also be a powerful tool in stroke recovery, because music and singing is processed in a different part of the brain to spoken language, some people with aphasia find that they can sing easily, even though speaking is hard.

Thankfully, many victims recover to the extent that you would hardly know they had suffered a stroke. Sadly however, my father was not so fortunate. His stroke was so severe that he spent the remainder of his life unable to walk or talk. Frustrated and angry at his inability to communicate, he would spend the next 16 yrs trapped in the state of stroke, chair bound, awaiting the daily family visit. Despite the family supporting him, and showing him love, until the end, there was nothing we could do to help him. Nothing to cure him. Nothing to make life better.

Nowadays, with increased knowledge and understanding of what stroke is and how it happens, together with modern approaches and amazing skills of medical professionals, more people are recovering better from stroke. As with any other illness, disease or condition, ongoing research and improved treatments come at a cost.

On World Stroke Day, the Stroke Association are asking us to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. More precisely, they are asking us to Sing 4 Stroke! While there wasn’t much I could do to help my father, after he had his stroke, perhaps this is something I can do, to help others who may, in time, become either victims of, or affected by stroke. So at my gig on Sunday 27th October (the day after my late father’s birthday) at Drymen Inn, Drymen, I invite you to ‘Sing With Me 4 Stroke’. Don’t worry, you don’t have to perform. You just have to come along and join in with me, as you always do! In the meantime, whilst I know we are all counting our pennies, if you have a spare pound to donate, it would be very much appreciated!

I hope to see you on 27th October!

Sincere thanks in advance

Robert