Dyslexic man learns to read at 58, realizing a wish 40 years in the making

Overcoming challenges often requires effort and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone. Yet, many people struggle for years, held back by procrastination or difficult circumstances. Ted Midgely, a 58-year-old man from the UK, found himself in a similar situation—he wanted to break free by learning to read and spell. Before this, Midgely could only spell his name, according to BBC. Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, he never let the learning disorder hinder his success as a skilled mechanic. However, as time passed, he finally took a step he had long dreamed of—reading his first magazine.

Like many people with dyslexia, Midgely faced difficulties with reading, writing, and learning during childhood. “It began when I was at my first school in Bradford. They never picked up on it and told my parents I was lazy, but it was only when I went to middle school that they called my parents in and said I was really suffering from my dyslexia,” he said. Thereafter, at 15, Midgely was moved to a special school; however, it didn’t result in anything fruitful for him. “At the time, they shipped me off to a special school, and it wasn't for me. I just kind of didn't do school—it wasn't a pleasant place,” he added.

The hardships kept increasing as many of his friends failed to understand dyslexia as a condition and instead treated it as a “deformity.” “Those were the times,” remarked Midgely, recalling how he often heard the same comment: “You don't look dyslexic.” “I couldn't even read a text message—I can now, but I still struggle with really obscure words,” the mechanic explained. He reportedly purchased a copy of a magazine 40 years ago, which he still has. After learning how to read with the help of a tutor, he was finally able to enjoy the edition of the vintage magazine.

Before achieving this feat, which may be ordinary for many but not for a person with dyslexia, Midgely had already excelled in his career. His professional journey, which began humbly as a textile mill worker, led to him becoming a specialist in motorcycles used in unique British motorsport known as “Speedway.” Additionally, he traveled all over the world for races and sporting events, which eventually sparked his interest in reading.

“I got involved with a young chap from Australia called Brayden Elliot, and it’s gone really well, and I want to become his manager—that’s what I’d like to do. But to do that, I need to read emails,” Midgely told the outlet. To meet the professional requirement, the 58-year-old upskilled himself by taking two 30-minute lessons every week from Duncan Livsey, a tutor with Read Easy Derby. “He’s been brilliant,” Livsey added. Apart from going through emails, Midgely was finally able to fulfill his long-pending wish of reading a copy of the “Speedway Star” magazine.