A MONMOUTHSHIRE stroke survivor was presented with a National Fundraising Award at the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards last week.

Nick Cann, 53, of Chepstow, received the award from Martin Lewis and Stephen K Amos in recognition of his efforts to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

The ceremony, which was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday, November 16 and hosted by Chris Tarrant OBE, aims to recognise the achievements of everyone who has been affected by a stroke.

Mr Cann, a former chief executive of the Institute of Financial Planning, had just started a presentation for students when he had a stroke in 2013.

He now has aphasia and dyspraxia, meaning he can find it difficult to read, write, speak and he can also struggle with coordination and movement. He cannot speak full sentences but can communicate through words, body language and writing,

“I can now read and write most things but really struggled initially,” Mr Cann communicated.

“I couldn’t speak for weeks and confused yes and no, I couldn’t even say or write my name but used photos to help me get started."

Mr Cann decided he wanted to give something back to the Stroke Association and set up Project Phoenix to raise funds for the charity.

The project has raised a total of £57,000 so far, and Mr Cann completed the London to Paris bike ride in 2014 to raise more than £25,000, and he also raised £7,000 in an 108-mile ride from Cardiff to Tenby.

His daughter Jemma Cann, 22, who nominated him for the award, said: “My father has always been a huge source of inspiration for all three of his children. I am incredibly proud of how far he has come since we first saw him in the hospital after his stroke. He is my hero and I am delighted that his grit and determination is being celebrated today.”