A moment that changed me: I learned to read and write
I had worked for 25 years, married and started a family. But a crisis at the supermarket reminded me there was something missing from my life
TL;DR
- The author struggled with reading and writing until the age of 42.
- Childhood hearing issues and special schooling created significant educational challenges.
- A supermarket incident during the Covid lockdown highlighted his inability to read and prompted him to seek help.
- His wife encouraged him to contact the Read Easy charity, where he was supported by a volunteer named Alison.
- He learned to read using manuals from the Shannon Trust over three years, meeting twice weekly.
- His goal was to read the first Harry Potter book, which he accomplished.
- He is now an ambassador for Read Easy, aiming to help others, particularly men, overcome shame and seek literacy support.
- He plans to take a GCSE in English and change careers to continue helping others.