An Oxfordshire man who woke up in hospital unable to speak after a stroke has found his voice again – through singing.
Paul Perkins, 68, from Grove, had a stroke which left him with aphasia, a language and communication disability which makes it difficult to speak, read, write or understand the written and spoken word.
But, as singing is controlled by a different part of the brain, it can be unaffected by stroke and Paul astonished his partner Miriam by singing Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ just two weeks after his stroke.
Paul is sharing his story in support of the Stroke Association during Stroke Awareness Month to highlight the positive impact music and singing can have for stroke survivors. He also volunteers at Abingdon Community Hospital’s stroke unit, helping other stroke survivors on their recovery journey by encouraging them to sing.
Paul, who is a carpenter, was having tea with a client when he collapsed from the stroke in April 2023. He woke up in hospital three days later, unable to speak.
Paul said: “At first, I couldn’t talk at all. It was a very difficult time for me. I became quite frustrated and aggressive. I knew what words I wanted to say, but they wouldn’t come out.”
Paul’s partner, Miriam, often played music for him while he recovered in hospital, hoping this would cheer him up.
She said: “He was against it initially, but I didn’t know why. Later in his recovery, he told me it was because he always loved singing along to his favourite songs and he was worried that music would remind him of everything he couldn’t do anymore.
“I still played songs for him in the background. One day, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley came on and Paul started singing out of the blue. It was such a surprising and emotional moment.”
For Paul, it felt like a breakthrough in his recovery.
He said: “As the words came back to me, I started to feel like myself again. I still struggle with my speech, but singing has given me the confidence to keep trying. I find ways to practice every day.
“I prefer slow songs, especially by Elvis, because they’re easier to follow. ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘Where No One Stands Alone’ are some of my favourites.
“Music helps me practice and improve my reading as well. With the slower songs, I can read the lyrics more easily as I’m singing. I find the songs online and try to read along.’
Paul and Miriam also incorporated singing into his speech therapy.
Miriam said: “We’d make up games and sing the answers to each other. There’s something about the rhythm of singing that makes it easier for Paul to get the words out.
“We also came across Stroke Association leaflets while Paul was still in hospital and learned about all the different support services available to us, including local stroke support groups. Paul joined a couple and they’re a big part of his life now.
“One of these, the Oxford Aphasia Group, even begins with a singing session to help with speech.”
Paul also attends the Grove Stroke Group in Wantage and volunteers at Abingdon Community Hospital’s stroke unit, talking to people who have recently had a stroke and encouraging them to sing.
He said: “I really want to support others in any way that I can. I visit the stroke unit once a week and organise singing lessons for some of the patients. We get together, play something online and just follow along. All they want to do is communicate by singing. It’s so rewarding to see the joy on their faces.”
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
A recent survey by the Stroke Association found that over half of stroke survivors said that singing, listening to music or playing an instrument had a positive impact on their stroke recovery, with two in five saying music had a massive impact on their recovery.
The Stroke Association is encouraging people to raise their own voices to help stroke survivors get the vital support they need after the devastating impact of a stroke. The charity has launched Sing4Stroke, a new fundraising initiative where people can sing wherever they like – at home, on a live stream, at the office, at school or organise their own event, to raise vital funds to support stroke survivors and their families.
Nick O’Donohue, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South East, said: “Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. It can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow. With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible.
“The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, funds vital stroke research, and campaigns to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.
“By raising your voice for stroke survivors this May, you can help stroke survivors like Paul and their loved ones to find strength through support. Sign up to Sing4Stroke at www.stroke.org.uk/singing.”
The Oxford Aphasia Group is run entirely by volunteers on behalf of the Stroke Association. Its focus is supporting people who have communication difficulties following a stroke and their family members.
The group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at North Oxford Association Community Centre, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7BY.
Volunteer Gill Farley said: “Although meetings are in Oxford, we welcome people from across Oxfordshire who would benefit from what we offer. We provide a supportive and kind environment where you will have time to share your lived experiences.
“Our meetings are quite varied. We often take part in activities like music and art, occasionally we go out together on a visit to a place of interest and we always have tea, coffee and biscuits and time for informal chats, swapping of ideas and some fun.”
Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Gill.Farley@stroke.org.uk