Jonathan Hirons was a founder member of Axminster Walking Footballers in 2015, after suffering a bleed on the brain that left him with Aphasia.

Aphasia is a lasting impairment that leaves sufferers with serious speech impairments and can affect their ability to read and write. 

Now his team has donated to Jonathan’s campaign to raise awareness about Aphasia. ‘Most people have not heard of Aphasia but in fact there are 350,000 sufferers in the UK alone – that’s more than the number of people suffering with Parkinson’s,’ says Jonathan.

The donation will be used by Say Aphasia to buy an iPad. They have built a registration system for people coming to their groups that is Aphasia friendly.  Rather than filling in forms, the people with Aphasia use pictures and click buttons.

He has worked tirelessly to inform people about the condition, with help from organisations including The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia, the British Aphasiology Society and Say Aphasia. He has also made a documentary about his own experience that can be found online

Johnathon said: "Axminster Walking Football is a lifeline for people like me. Apart from the exercise, which is important for stroke survivors, the social side helps to build confidence."

Oganiser Bob Burton said: "We provide football for all abilities and welcome newcomers, including people who have never played before. We range from the over 50s up to the over 70s, and play on a weekly basis all year round. We enjoy organising local tournaments, which often end with a BBQ in the summer and a pint at the Lamb pub."

Axminster WF, has also  already donated to the Flamingo Pool and the Poppy Appeal. The club, which holds two sessions a week all year around, attracts players coming from Bridport in the east to Honiton in the west and, from Ilminster in the north to Sidmouth in the south.

If you are interested in joining in, contact Bob Burton at axminster.wf@gmail.com