STROKE LEFT ME TALKING SCOUSE!
MUM-OF-TWO STILL HAS LIVERPUDLIAN ACCENT 18 MONTHS AFTER BEING TOLD HER NORMAL VOICE WOULD RETURN
A MANCHESTER woman was left speaking like a Scouser after suffering a stroke.
Mum-of-two Tracy Lloyd lost her speech following the stroke in December 2014, and says she was stunned when it returned four days later – but with a Liverpudlian accent.
The 53-year-old, who lives in Sale, was told the Mancunian in her would come back after about six months, but two years later it appears the Scouse has stuck.
“No one was more shocked than I was when I started speaking like a Liverpudlian!” she said.
“Now I always get asked where I’m from in Liverpool and no one can believe me when I tell them I’m from Manchester!”
Tracy’s stroke was caused by a blood clot during an operation on her knee.
When she woke up from surgery she had a headache and pain in her eye, as well as pins and needles in her arm, but her symptoms were put down to the effects of the anaesthetic.
It wasn’t until Tracy got home that her face dropped on one side, and her daughter realised she was having a stroke after seeing the FAST adverts on television. She was rushed back to hospital where CT scans confirmed the diagnosis. Tracy, who used to work at Tesco in Altrincham, says doctors believe her voice decided to mimic the Liverpool accent because of her fondless for it. She added: “When I visited the stroke consultant to ask how it had happened, he advised that my brain had to take a different direction to enable me to speak again. I’ve always loved Liverpool and the accent, and have lots of Scouse friends, and I think that’s why my brain mimicked this particular accent. My consultant said I must be very passionate about Liverpool.
“I was advised my accent could change back to my original Mancunian after six months, but after that it would stick. It’s now been two years and we’re all used to it. As long as I can speak, my regional accent really doesn’t matter!”
Tracy who volunteers for the Stroke Association’s local Life After Stroke Service in Trafford, is now preparing to take on the charity’s 5km Resolution Run in Heaton Park on March 5.
“I’ve also been left with weakness in my left side as a result of my stroke so it may take me a while to complete the course, but I’m really looking forward to taking part. My family and friends are all sponsoring me as I’m keen to raise funds to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need.”
Sian Thomas, community and events fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke it is vital that we have people like our Resolution Runners to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. We’re thrilled Tracy is taking part. We’re looking forward to cheering her on alongside our other participants as she makes their way through the park.”
Entry is just £15 and runners can choose the 5km, 10km or 15km course. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution.
I’m asked where I’m from in Liverpool – no one can believe me when I tell them I’m from Manchester Tracy Lloyd