I first met Nick in 1992 at the AGM of what was then the Association for Stammerers (AFS). I had joined the AFS the previous year: he was one of the first people, who I got to know. What a great feeling to know that you are not the only stammerer in the world!

He offered to help at an open day in Reading that I was planning (October 1993) by running a workshop. I was struck by his enthusiasm, not only to raise stammering awareness, but to become involved in the process.

Nick then spoke to me about an open day in Swindon which he was working on (March 1994). It was a runaway success, with a film crew from Central TV in attendance. Two years later, both myself and Nick were trustees of the BSA General Committee. On our way home from a meeting, he told me about something called 'speaking circles'. He spoke with great gusto and delight at the benefits that he had found, and as an advocate of anything that could benefit people who stammer, I had to investigate further.

I attended Nick's speaking circle for about a year, and even though it was a 90 mile round trip from my home in Reading to Swindon, it was worth it in terms of meeting new people and receiving such a warm welcome, not to mention a safe environment for you simply to be yourself. I look back on those times with great memories.

Nick helped me again, when he conducted a speaking circle at the Oxford open day (September 1998).

I also recall a speaking circle that Nick organised for speech therapists in Swindon. It was an enlightening experience for those who were there, and for the participants to be given a video of themselves standing up and speaking to an audience. It certainly alters your self perception, I can tell you!

Nick's stammer could be quite profound at times, however, when I listened to him either speaking to me one to one, or addressing an audience at an Open Day, he was always determined to get his message across.

Nick, If you can hear me, I want you to know just how much I valued your help, support and friendship. I feel deep sadness at your untimely passing, but I also feel proud to have known you, for your commitment, determination, never ending good humour and for your achievements. You will be missed!

John Russell, Reading, Berkshire

From the Autumn 2002 edition of Speaking Out

See also: Nick Conrad obituary