Joanna Finds Her Voice

An inspiring young woman who suffered in silence for years because of a debilitating stammer has made a remarkable transformation

- Emma Mayoh

It all started in a coffee shop in Blackpool. Most people would shy away from addressing a packed town centre cafe full of strangers, but 27-year-old Joanna Wagstaff stood up and spoke. It may have only been a few sentences but it was the moment that changed her life.

‘I knew I wanted to do it but it was such a big step,’ said Joanna.

‘I’d already left once and got on the bus home because I was so scared. But I pulled myself together, went back and did it. I knew if I didn’t, things were never going to get better for me.

‘I’d always thought my friends were really confident, much more so than me, but they all said they would never have been brave enough to do that. I was so proud of myself when I’d finished. Everyone clapped.’

What makes it remarkable is the fact Joanna has struggled since early childhood with a stammer so debilitating even the simplest tasks became anxiety filled situations. As a child at nursery she rarely spoke but it was at primary school the extent of her stammer became apparent. As she grew up, she learned how to cope with daily life.

Friends called her name out for the morning register at school and answered questions for her in class. As she got older, tasks most people take for granted became situations to avoid. Booking medical appointments, ordering food in a restaurant and ringing for a taxi were all things that caused immense stress.