In the charming town of Derby, England, an inspiring tale unfolds as we shine a spotlight on Ted Midgely, a 58-year-old who has conquered a lifelong battle with reading difficulties.
For Ted, the journey to literacy has been a testament to resilience.
Leaving school at just 15, he often found himself depending on others to help navigate the written word.
Breaking Through Literacy Barriers
Yet, fueled by a fierce determination, Ted embarked on a path that led to a breakthrough in his reading skills.
After enrolling in classes, he can now savor the joy of reading—an uplifting achievement that fills his heart with happiness.
One of the highlights of Ted’s journey was the moment he finally opened a copy of Speedway Star, a magazine he had admired from afar for 40 years.
The thrill of diving into content he had long cherished turned out to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Challenges and Triumphs
Growing up in Bradford, Ted faced the challenges of dyslexia during his formative years.
Unfortunately, the support systems he needed were sorely lacking.
Instead of receiving the proper assistance, Ted was placed in a special school where he felt he didn’t quite fit in.
Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to leave school behind and started working in a local textile mill.
Despite his struggles with reading, Ted turned his deep passion for speedway racing into a fulfilling career.
He became a beloved mascot for Bradford Speedway, known affectionately as “Ted,” before transitioning into a role as a speedway mechanic.
His love for racing took him all over the world, and he now plays a valuable role at a company specializing in speedway parts.
Inspiration and Support
A pivotal moment in Ted’s literacy journey occurred when he met Brayden Elliot, an Australian motorcycle racer.
Inspired by the idea of managing Brayden, Ted realized that he needed to be able to read emails and other communications.
Determined to improve, he sought the help he needed.
With the support of Duncan Livsey from Read Easy Derby and District, Ted dedicated himself to regular reading sessions.
Duncan has praised Ted’s enthusiastic approach to learning, finding it both easy and fulfilling to teach someone so eager to grow.
Today, Ted is fully immersed in the pleasures of reading and is eager to encourage others who face similar literacy challenges.
He believes that many people struggle with reading but lack the confidence to ask for help.
Ted’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start learning.
For him, reading that long-coveted article from Speedway Star transcended mere personal achievement; it symbolized the realization of a dream he had held for so many years.
Source: SunnySkyz