A SERIES of art posters created by local artist and stroke survivor, Mark Chappell, has gone on display at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley. 

As June is Aphasia Awareness month the art is being used to raise awareness around living with Aphasia, a communication disability which usually occurs after a stroke or head injury. 

The condition can affect a person’s ability to speak, read, write, use numbers, or process words.   Mark suffered a stroke about 12 years ago and has since lived with Aphasia. He is now a Peer Leader at the Skipton drop-in group supported by Say Aphasia, a charity which provides vital support to those affected by the condition.

Mark says: “I have been a regular visitor to Clarke Foley since my stroke, using its fantastic facilities and classes. It is so accessible and inclusive and is at the heart of the local community.  This display is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Aphasia during June.” 

Business Manager Joe Short said: “We are delighted to have this exhibition on display here at the hub and to help raise awareness of this lesser-known condition. The pieces Mark has put together are visually striking as well as informative and educational, and they serve as a powerful expression of what living with the condition is like. I would encourage anyone who, like me, may not have known much about Aphasia previously, to come in and view the display.”

The Aphasia art display can be viewed in the Community Cafe from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday throughout June and entrance is free.