--- title: "Man Spends 25 Years Unable to Read or Write Despite Multiple Attempts at Literacy" url: https://noti.group/man-spends-25-years-unable-to-read-or-write-despite-multiple-attempts/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Lifestyle" published: 2026-10-14T05:30:45.000Z updated: 2026-10-14T10:25:11.456Z id: 1ad29551-975e-4923-93fb-34c9f0b35772 source: "The Guardian Life and Style https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/oct/14/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-learned-to-read-at-42" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/man-spends-25-years-unable-to-read-or-write-despite-multiple-attempts/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Man Spends 25 Years Unable to Read or Write Despite Multiple Attempts at Literacy A man navigated life without reading or writing skills for 25 years until the Covid lockdowns disrupted his routine and forced him to confront his limitations. For 25 years, a man navigated his life without being able to read or write, relying on his wife and careful planning to get by. He had built a career as a lorry driver and started a family, but during the Covid lockdowns, everything changed. His usual routine was disrupted, and even simple tasks like shopping became daunting challenges. As he struggled to find suitable milk for his dairy- and soy-allergic son, he realized that his way of life couldn't continue. The thought of accidentally poisoning his loved ones was too much to bear. In a moment of desperation, he confided in his wife about his struggles with literacy. She had been home-schooling their 10-year-old son during the lockdowns and was already overwhelmed. His wife's response was understanding and supportive, she knew just what to do. She revealed that she had discovered an organization that might be able to help him learn to read. With his wife's encouragement, he decided to take another chance at literacy, something he had attempted multiple times before without success. Growing up in Lancashire presented unique challenges due to being partially deaf. As a child, it was difficult to follow conversations in noisy environments, which made school particularly tough. At six years old, I was transferred to a special school catering to students with various needs, but the situation worsened. The classroom became even more overwhelming as each student struggled with their own issues, making concentration nearly impossible. The struggles continued as I underwent multiple operations on my ears in an attempt to improve my hearing. Although this ultimately restored some of my auditory abilities, it came too late. By then, I had been instructed to sit at the back of the class and remain quiet, effectively isolating me from the learning process. As a result, when I left school at 16, I had no qualifications to speak of. A bad stammer stemming from anxiety further hindered my communication skills. Perhaps most significantly, however, was my inability to read or write. After leaving school, I secured employment on a nearby farm through a friend's connection. This proved to be a valuable experience that lasted for a year before I decided to pursue further education. I enrolled in college with the aim of learning how to read and acquire basic literacy skills. During my time at college, I discovered a useful skill, visualising routes and mapping them out in my head. This ability helped me pass my driving test, which didn't require a theory component but instead relied on memorisation of road signs. Applying for my lorry licence was a daunting task, and I had to rely on visualising skills to help me navigate the process. At 22 years old, I began working as a lorry driver, relying on memorisation of motorway numbers and routes to get by. However, this method had its limitations, particularly when it came to reading signs and documents. The invention of talking satnavs was a significant improvement, making my job easier in some ways but not addressing the underlying issue. I attempted to improve my literacy skills again in 2010, when I enrolled in college for the second time. Unfortunately, I lacked the foundational knowledge to grasp the material being taught, and this experience ended in frustration once more. It was during this period that I met my wife, who would later become a vital source of support as I struggled with reading and writing. She stepped in whenever possible, helping me out without making me feel judged or inadequate. Reaching crisis point during the Covid pandemic, I finally made contact with the Read Easy charity at my wife's suggestion. This marked the beginning of a new journey towards overcoming my literacy challenges, one that would require patience, support, and small steps forward. With each passing week, my confidence grew as I progressed through the reading program. I was finally able to grasp the concept of phonics and decode words, a skill that had previously been a constant struggle. The sense of accomplishment I felt with each small victory motivated me to continue pushing forward. As I finished the Harry Potter book, I realized that I had not only overcome my literacy challenges but also gained a deeper understanding of the world around me. My newfound ability to read and follow recipes allowed me to bond with my son over cooking, a activity we could enjoy together despite missing out on reading together when he was younger. Today, I'm proud to be an ambassador for Read Easy, an organization that provides literacy support to individuals like myself who struggle with basic reading skills. As an advocate, I hope to encourage others in similar situations to seek help and overcome their own challenges. I'm now setting my sights on further education, aiming to take my GCSE in English and explore new career opportunities that will allow me to continue helping others. With three books currently underway, I've discovered a newfound love for reading and appreciate the beauty it brings to my life. --- Source: [The Guardian Life and Style](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/oct/14/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-learned-to-read-at-42) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/man-spends-25-years-unable-to-read-or-write-despite-multiple-attempts/