Paul’s ‘why not’ attitude is truly inspiring – he feels everything is possible.
Paul’s aphasia presents as non-fluent and has progressed to short sentences. He is able to self-correct but can struggle with complex sentences and external noise. He has right-sided hemiplegia and has lost the sight in one eye.
Before his stroke Paul was a Detective in the Police, a keen motorcyclist, and an amateur photographer.
Paul has joined Swimming, Golf and Air-Rifle Shooting, Aphasia-fit, Zoom Pilates, Cycling, Horse riding and trialed Gymnastics. He has also taken part in adventure activities at an outward bound sports centre with wall climbing, abseiling, low ropes and assault course. Paul has also returned to driving and often gives lifts to his fellow Members to enable them to access Challenge events.
Paul often asks “Why not?” and will trial any opportunity given to him. He feels that anything is possible if you just give it a go. His confidence and physical health have improved over the years he has been a Member. He has gone on to volunteer independently as a befriender to members of his local community.
During the Pandemic Paul wrote and presented a session on Photography and has now turned his photography into a small business run via his website. He specializes in macro photography and London landmarks often travelling independently to London to take new photos. He has also taken fellow members with him to London to teach them how to take good photos. Many of the photos on this website have been taken by Paul.