Published at 19:29, Thursday, 18 December 2008

A FORMER stammerer is seeking to help others with speech difficulties by setting up a support group in West Cumbria.

SUPPORT FOR STAMMERERS: Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy, 47, of Lime Road, Harrington, has undergone speech therapy to control his stammer and now wants to share the techniques that he has learned.

Mr Murphy, who had stammered since he was a child, said: “I had speech therapy when I was younger, and also attended two expensive week-long private courses at the ages of 16 and 32.

“But my stammer never really left me and through the years I lost my confidence.

“I dreaded using the phone and ordering drinks, and would ask my children to order the drinks that I could not say.”

However, he attended a course known as the Starfish Project in East Sussex in September, and is now equipped with breathing techniques to help him cope with his stammer.

It was the first time he had undergone any speech therapy in 15 years, and he is encouraging others to follow suit.

“The more people I can get interested in Starfish courses, the bigger the group we could develop,” he said.

“There are a lot of support groups down south, but the closest to Cumbria are in Newcastle and Preston.”

It is estimated that one per cent of the adult population stammers, or stutters, and many more men are affected than women.

Celebrities with stammers include Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Willis and Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

There is no known explanation as to why a stammer occurs and no complete cure.

Mr Murphy, who works for a construction company at Sellafield, said he would recommend the Starfish Project to anyone who wishing to control a stammer or to help a family member or friend.

He added: “It was by far the best course I have been on.

“I am happier as an individual and I have had a boost of confidence. This is making me more positive about everything in life.

“My wife used to make a lot of telephone calls that I couldn’t.”,

As a result of the course, Mr Murphy now has a number of contacts across the country who are also getting over stammers, and he is keen to replicate this in West Cumbria.

He already meets up with two other individuals with stammers on a monthly basis.

He said: “The more people they deal with, the more confident they get. We can give one another tips on dealing with certain situations.

“For a child to learn these techniques when they are young will change their life.”

Anyone interested in joining a group and sharing tips and techniques with others can contact Mr Murphy by email at j.murphy759@btinternet.com. He requests that only those who have completed Starfish courses should contact him about joining his group.

For more information about Starfish courses, log on to www.starfishproject.co.uk.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk