In the realm of speech and language therapy, few names shine as brightly as Carole Pound. A pioneer in her field, Pound dedicated her career to championing inclusion and improving quality of life for individuals with aphasia—the loss of language abilities due to stroke, brain injury, or neurological illness. Her recent passing at age 66 from ovarian cancer has left a profound void, but her legacy of compassion and innovation endures.
From Tennis Courts to Therapy Rooms
Born and raised in London, Pound initially dreamed of becoming a tennis coach. However, a severe moped accident during her training in France left her with permanent nerve damage, forcing a change in trajectory. Undeterred, she pivoted to speech and language therapy, earning her qualifications from City, University of London.
As a newly minted therapist, Pound quickly found her niche working with adults facing communication challenges due to neurological conditions. Her early career took her to prestigious institutions like Charing Cross Hospital and Atkinson Morley Hospital, where she honed her skills and developed a reputation for excellence.
Pioneering a New Approach
Not content with the status quo, Pound returned to academia, earning a master’s degree in cognitive neuropsychology from Birkbeck, University of London in 1991. This additional expertise positioned her as one of the first speech and language therapists to apply cognitive neuropsychological principles to aphasia treatment, revolutionizing the field.
Carole possessed a rare ability to combine academic rigor with a very accessible human approach.
— A close colleague
Her innovative work caught the attention of City, University of London, where she took on a dual role as researcher and clinician in 1995. Pound’s unique blend of scientific acumen and empathetic care made her an invaluable asset, as she continued pushing the boundaries of what was possible in aphasia therapy.
Championing Inclusion and Understanding
In 2000, Pound co-founded the Connect Communication Disability Network, a groundbreaking charity dedicated to training professionals working with aphasia patients. As Director of Innovation until 2009, she spearheaded initiatives to promote inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and give a voice to those often marginalized by their communication difficulties.
Pound’s influence extended far beyond the UK, as she became a sought-after speaker and collaborator on the international stage. Her research, published in numerous academic journals, reshaped the understanding of aphasia and its treatment. Yet, even as her renown grew, Pound never lost sight of the human element at the heart of her work.
Carole had an uncanny ability to connect with her patients, to see them as whole people rather than just a diagnosis. Her warmth and humor put everyone at ease.
— A former patient’s family member
A Legacy That Endures
In her later years, Pound’s focus shifted increasingly to humanizing healthcare. She earned a PhD from Brunel University in 2013 and took on roles as a postdoctoral researcher, consultant, and trainer. Her mission was to ensure that the patient’s voice remained at the center of all treatment decisions, a philosophy that has since permeated the field.
Though Pound’s physical presence may be gone, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched—the patients she helped to rebuild their language skills and confidence, the professionals she mentored and inspired, and the family and friends who loved her dearly. In a fitting tribute to her indomitable nature, Pound, in her spare time, even relearned tennis after her injury by training her non-dominant hand, rising once again to an elite level.
Carole Pound’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. As the field of speech and language therapy continues to evolve, her contributions will serve as a guiding light, reminding us all of the transformative power of compassion, dedication, and a life devoted to service. Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate the indelible mark she has left on her field and on the world. Rest in peace, Carole Pound, and thank you.
