I had a brain haemorrhage on Tuesday 24^th February 2000. In my working life I was a personnel officer and union activist (Branch Secretary, UNISON) for Westminster Council. I retired on health grounds after my brain haemorrhage.

I live with my partner Paul and our two children Julia and Peter, and Phoebe the dog.

Below are two photos of me, one before and one after the brain haemorrhage. Outside, people not think I'm different, except thinner. But inside I feel completely different. Not personality change, not like that at all. But my thought processes work in different ways since brain haemorrhage.

Receiving a certificate for 20 year service for Westminster Council

At my retirement party

I volunteered for the working party for this research because I realised the Internet has potential for people with aphasia. The main point of the project was to make a website to give people with aphasia more information. But the whole process has also been therapeutic, especially making this homepage. I think anyone who has had a brain haemorrhage/stroke would find writing/talking/reflecting on the experience useful.

I made these pages by dictating to a tape, and Becky has typed them up. I find talking easier than writing. Together we have edited for repetition, but we have not changed the way I speak.

Click here to read about my brain haemorrhage

My favourite music from the last five decades

Click here to read some of my favourite poetry fragments