Rugby legend speaks at the UK Stroke Forum

Rosemary Cunningham, a Speech and Language Therapist from Derbyshire, gave a presentation about ‘Communicating after Stroke’. She invited Ken Rollin, Chairman of Speakability Wakefield, to be her Co-presenter.

Photo: Ken Rollin (left) with Graham Johnson (right) on the Speakability stand at the UK Stroke Forum

In the 1960’s Ken played Rugby League for Wakefield Trinity. He is famous for scoring the fastest try in a Cup Final at Wembley. After a stroke in 1999 Ken was left with Aphasia and could say only a few words. This was a cruel blow for Ken.

Before his stroke, Ken had been a well-known public speaker in West Yorkshire. In 2002 he became Chairman of the new Wakefield Speakability Group.

At the Stroke Forum, Ken spoke to an audience of around 200 people. The audience included many doctors, consultants, nurses and therapists. Ken spoke about his battle to overcome his Aphasia. He told how he had been helped by Speech and Language Therapists. Ken also spoke about being a member of the Wakefield Speakability Group. He said how much this had helped him on his long road to recovery. Now he helps other people with Aphasia in the Wakefield area.

Many members of the audience told Ken how much they had enjoyed his talk. Rosemary Cunningham referred to him as ‘an inspirational person’. Later Ken commented, “I was very nervous. But it was great to have the chance to tell the Conference about how Speakability has helped me!’

Contributed by Graham Johnson, Yorkshire Development Worker