The Fun Experts Support Aphasia Charity Raffle at Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards
This year’s Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards was held at Deepdale Stadium and the evening was filled with celebration, inspiration and a true sense of community. One of the standout moments was a special charity raffle held in support of Aphasia Support. A cause that means so much to The Fun Experts for many reasons. It was non-negotiable that we would donate money for a prize to help raise funds and awareness for this important cause.
The raffle had a personal meaning for many in attendance, especially for Steve Smith, a well known member of the North West Employee Engagement Group. Steve is not only a dedicated professional but also a passionate advocate for people living with aphasia. After suffering a stroke in 2021, Steve was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects communication and language skills. Since then, he has become a source of inspiration through his determination to make a difference.
Steve helped create the Blackburn Aphasia Cafe. This friendly and welcoming space has become a vital meeting point for people living with aphasia in the area. It offers connection, understanding and a much needed sense of community.
But Steve’s mission does not stop there. He is now working hard to establish a new Lancashire branch of Aphasia Support. His goal is to offer even more local services, resources and opportunities for those affected by the condition. His drive and vision are paving the way for something truly special.
Steve kindly gave us a quote about the struggles that a person with Aphasia constantly find themselves in. "I had a stroke and subsequently lost the ability to find my words and express myself in a world that suddenly felt unfamiliar. The damage to the left side of my brain left me with Aphasia. As someone who has made a living through speaking and communicating, the impact was devastating. That moment, and the journey that followed, changed everything.
Aphasia isn't just about losing language - it's about the risk of losing connection, confidence, and even identity. I’m proud to represent the Lancashire branch, in Blackburn. The Aphasia Support Branch Network is more than a service - it’s a lifeline. It brings people together who understand each other. It offers consistency, community, and hope in the face of massive life change. I’ve seen first-hand how these branches create safe spaces where confidence grows, friendships blossom, and voices are heard loud and clear. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping this regional network grow. Because every person with Aphasia deserves the chance to feel supported, included, and empowered.”
The Fun Experts were thrilled to be involved in this journey. Sunny Sandwell, the director of The Fun Experts, discusses the importance of supporting her dear friend, Steve. She said: "Giving back to charity is important for us as a business, and supporting the Aphasia Support Charity is especially meaningful. Our friend of The Fun Experts Steve Smith from NWEEG has demonstrated remarkable strength while navigating his experience with aphasia, and we are happy to help in any way we can to support".
Steve’s story reminds us of the power of resilience and community. With continued support from individuals and organisations alike, the future for aphasia support in Lancashire is looking brighter than ever.
