Speakers

I’m a passionate advocate for stroke survivors, a role that’s deeply personal to me following my own experience. On May 12, 2008, at just 36 years old, I suffered an ischemic stroke on the left side of my brain. It left me temporarily paralyzed, unable to speak, with weakness on my right side, and facing the challenges of aphasia. Thanks to three months of intensive speech therapy, and a lot of determination, I gradually regained my ability to speak. My recovery has been ongoing ever since. 

Rather than let the stroke define me, I chose to move forward with purpose, determined to swim and not drown. That mindset led me to get involved in stroke and aphasia-related charities and activities wherever I could. Today, I’m proud to serve as a trustee for Different Strokes, a UK-based charity supporting working-age stroke survivors and their families in rebuilding their lives through active peer support. 

With over three decades of experience in youth leadership, I’ve always found deep fulfilment in helping others. That sense of resolve has only grown stronger as I continue to support stroke survivors on their journeys. My faith, family, and friends, along with these meaningful connections, have played a huge part in helping me navigate and overcome many challenges. 

Just six months after my stroke, I was able to return to work as an RICS Chartered Surveyor. I now run my own property consultancy firm. Outside of work, life is full of joy and energy, I’m married to my amazing wife Adjoa, and we’re raising our three energetic boys: Joel, Samuel, and Daniel. They definitely keep me on my toes and help me stay young at heart.