A man with a speech impediment so bad he could not even say his own name has overcome his troubles and is helping others to achieve clear diction.

Software developer Eugene Losowski-Gallagher, of Inner Park Road, Southfields, could barely put together a sentence as little as five years ago but is now even entering public speaking contests after overcoming his stammer.

The 25-year-old first began receiving help as a teenager, and was once coached by famous stammerer pop star Gareth Gates, but relapsed.

However he began work on the breathing techniques he was taught as part of the McGuire Programme last year and has made huge strides.

He said work on his costal diaphragm, as well as physcological techniques such as telling strangers he has a stammer helped him beat the problem.

He said: "I have finally gained confidence for public speaking, that is something I have been worried about.

"Before the course I would do it but I knew I would struggle horrendously.

"I was thinking that looking back I had never thought I would be coaching anybody about anything, having someone rely on you to give them advice.

"I never thought I would enter speech competitions. Forget about the speech - I would be worrying about getting the words out."

Famous stutterers

Famous Athenian orator Demosthenes is said to have defeated his stutter by speaking with pebbles in his mouth.

Oscar winning film The King's Speech documents the efforts of King George VI's efforts to overcome his stutter

Winston Churchill also suffered from a slight stutter and lisp. Through practice he was able to restrict the effect, while incorporating the problem into his manner of delivering speeches