EM experienced a left CVA when she was 52. Her stroke resulted in severe aphasia and a hemiplegia, which rapidly resolved. At the time she was working as a receptionist in a local sports centre. Prior to that she had held various secretarial posts. She has three adult children who all live near her. During this study she also acquired a grandchild. She was originally from Wales and came to England when she was 18. She is a monolingual English speaker.