COMPUTERS, games and gadgets may be top of most people’s festive wish lists this year – but all stroke sufferer Vernon Allaway wants is to be able to say Merry Christmas.

Vernon, 54, of Moredon, suffers with aphasia as a result of a stroke nearly three years ago. He finds it difficult to speak and can only read and write the odd word. Before his stroke he was a fork lift driver.

Many with aphasia report feeling lonely and frustrated because people don’t understand them. The condition affects one third of the 150,000 people who suffer a stroke every year.

But because Vernon appears physically fit people wonder why he takes so long to respond to them and often think he is stupid.

He praised the work of the Stroke Association which has helped him in his recovery.

“With the Stroke Association’s help, I’m making huge progress in finding ways to cope,” he said.

“I now carry a card which explains that I have aphasia, I plan all my outings and try to avoid situations where I’m required to speak to people I don’t know. “If there is a new assistant at the local shop, it can be daunting.

“The Stroke Association has given me independence by helping me to travel on public transport.”

Vernon volunteers with The Stroke Association’s Communica-tion Support Service.

“I enjoy helping others – I feel a bit useless at home, but at the group I can help others who cannot do as much as I can,” he said.

“I put out tables and chairs, buy the milk, help with tea and coffee, collect subs and call the raffle.

“I hate it when people talk over me or don’t understand.”

Nearly 800 stroke survivors who have aphasia took part in the charity’s survey, to find out what their Christmas wishes are. It found one third would like to be able to say “Merry Christmas” and almost a quarter would like to ask what presents their loved ones want for Christmas.

Chris Clark, the director of Life After Stroke Services for the Stroke Association, said: “We support many stroke survivors with aphasia and their families to adjust to a life after stroke, but many more still don’t know that we’re here for them. Support our Christmas campaign by making a donation today, together we can ensure stroke survivors make the best recovery.”

The charity has developed a simple guide for communicating with people who have aphasia. For details visit www.stroke.org.uk/aphasia.