Alan Hannay, who has struggled with dyslexia all his life has finally learnt to read after being asked by his grandchildren to read them a story. (Read Easy Southampton & IOW via SWNS)
By Faye Mayern
A retiree who has struggled with dyslexia all his life has finally learned to read after being asked by his great-grandchildren for a story — at the age of 86.
Alan Hannay, from Dibden Purlieu in Hampshire, said he had always struggled with reading but having great-grandchildren inspired him to give it “one last chance.”
The retired chauffeur went to his local library where he found the charity Read Easy — which says 2.4 million adults in England cannot read at all or struggle to read.
Hannay now reads for two hours every morning, attends class twice a week and even read his 65th wedding anniversary cards for the first time this year.
Alan Hannay struggled with dyslexia all his life and said having great-grandchildren inspired him to give reading "one last chance". (Read Easy Southampton & IOW via SWNS)
He said: “Being able to read those cards was one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my life.
“The joy of being able to read anything at all is the greatest pleasure.
“In my era, no one knew what dyslexia was and a lot of people weren’t able to read or had struggles.
“This is the first time in my 86 years that I feel confident in my reading, writing and spelling.”
The great-grandfather of three, who describes dyslexia as a “blindness of words,” said he believed his confidence and memory had covered for his lack of ability.
Hannay’s family would help with paperwork and his bosses praised his “other attributes.”
While he had attempted to attend evening classes almost 20 years ago, he had found group situations difficult.
Alan Hannay, 86, is a new reader thanks to his diligent devotion. (Read Easy Southampton & IOW via SWNS)
But Hannay decided to give reading “one last chance” following the birth of his great-grandchildren and now enjoys reading “wonderful stories.”
He said: “I suddenly thought one day that these beautiful children are going to grow up and ask me to read a book.
“The other motivation was I’d felt like I could do it, but I’d never had the opportunity with the modern systems of today.
“I got so used to be not being able to do it throughout my life that I managed to avoid reading.
“The hardest thing is to ask for help.
“But by being brave enough, I can guarantee to anyone, if they gave themselves a chance, they could change their lives.”
A Read Easy spokesperson said its service is always free, confidential and one-on-one.
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