A Workington man who was ridiculed for having a stammer is creating a help group for other people with the condition.

As a child Mr Murphy said he was terrified at school and found that there was no support there at all.

He suffered from self doubt and ridicule from children and he doesn’t want children to still have to endure that suffering.

Mark Murphy, 57, from Harrington, will be assisted by four other West Cumbrians all living with a stammer to raise awareness of the controlling techniques available to stammerers.

Mr Murphy, Jonathon West from Cockermouth and Michael Wright, Paul Martin and Jack Goodwin from Kells are starting the group, which is open to anyone from children to adults, on January 3 at the Oval Centre, Salterbeck, from 7pm to 9pm.

The objective of the group is to make people feel at ease with their speech. If people want to look at courses Mr Murphy can suggest ones. But for him the Starfish organisation has helped and he has seen it help many others.

He has fundraised for the Starfish organisation by taking part in a number of events, including bike rides.

The organisation shows people how to develop coping techniques for stammers, for instance by using costel breathing, which helps to control the diaphram muscle.

Mr Murphy is a firm believer in group support: “Whatever the condition in life talking about it with like minded people can help.”

He has also improved his speech dramatically by speaking in public, assisted by West Cumbria speakers. He said after joining West Cumbria speakers his speech has “come on a treat”.

The group is open to anyone with a stammer, if a child it is better that the parent also attends. Mr Murphy is keen to work with the local speech therapy and would welcome Workington speech section to come along too.

“If a stammer gets a grip for whatever reason come along", he added.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting can contact Mark on 01946 831005 or 07516439318.