Steve Smith takes on role as fundraising co-ordinator at Aphasia Support

Lancashire businessman Steve Smith has started a new role of fundraising coordinator at charity Aphasia Support.

The managing director of Accrington based Anthem Engagement suffered a severe stroke on holiday to Disneyworld in November 2021.

Four years on, he is still recovering living with Aphasia, right-side paralysis, and fatigue.

Aphasia is a communication disability, often caused by a stroke or brain injury and it affects speaking, understanding, reading and writing.

Steve is looking forward to giving something back to the Aphasia Support charity which helped him rebuild his life.

The 54-year-old stood down as a trustee and took on the fundraising coordinator role this month.

Aphasia Support has two cafes in Lancashire at Ewood Park, Blackburn and another at Deepdale, Preston.

He said: “Aphasia Support was there when NHS support ended and I didn’t know what to do next.

“It helped me rebuild communication, confidence, and hope, at a time when all three felt fragile.

“It’s a new chapter for me and a cause close to my heart.

“I’ll be working with individuals, businesses, and communities to raise awareness of Aphasia, create inclusive fundraising challenges and help more people access life-changing support.”

A spokesman for Aphasia Support said: “Steve already means so much to our community.

“With his lived experience of Aphasia and infectious enthusiasm we’re thrilled to have him on the team and cannot wait to show you how you can get involved in our exciting plans for 2026.”

Steve founded the Accrington based North West Employee Engagement Group (NWEEG) in 2014.

It was the first employee engagement group that connects HR professionals and business leaders with engagement specialists and peers, who are faced with similar challenges and obstacles of effectively engaging their people each day.