Read Easy: Literacy scheme transforms life of Graham, 69

Graham North, right, and his Read Easy coach Geoff Bell have been working together for a more than a year

Aged 69, Graham North is learning to read. I first met him and his Read Easy coach Geoff Bell in April when he was learning basic words.

We returned to Hull's Central Library, where the pair meet, to find out how Graham was getting on.

"I love the sounds in this line," said Graham, smiling.

In front of him is a copy of Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Graham wanted to show me the progress he has made.

Tracing a finger under each word, he read with confidence his favourite line: "Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

Recognising the exclamation marks, he raised his pitch. A man reading a book in the corner looked up, bemused.

Graham was not just reading words, he was devouring them. He had discovered the joy of reading.

Geoff Bell is originally from Kent and said he enjoyed giving something back through volunteering

When I first met Graham, he was working his way through the second of five textbooks. He is now coming to the end of the third.

"Back in April I could never have even imagined I would be reading a poem like this," he said, enthusiastically.

Graham joined the Read Easy scheme in November 2022 and was paired with Geoff, a retired engineer.

"If it wasn't for Geoff, I would not be where I am now," said Graham. "I have come on a lot, even since April."

Geoff told me "giving the gift of reading" is second only to organ donation.

"It's very difficult for a reader to appreciate what life is like for a non-reader," said Geoff, who told me he looks forward to his regular sessions with Graham. "So many areas of Graham's life have improved now."

Graham North, left, meets his coach Geoff Bell weekly to improve his reading

Graham tells me, until recently, he would always order fish and chips at cafes.

"That's because I could read those words," he said. "Now I am able to order things like beef pie because I can read menus."

Graham makes a fish motion with his hands near his stomach.

"I was eating that much fish they must have been knocking into each other in my belly," he said, chuckling.

Geoff added: "As you can see, Graham has such a good sense of humour. We get on so well together."

Since I first wrote about Graham in April, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust offered him a voluntary position, working with people with learning difficulties. Having completed training, he is about to start work.

Graham, who had childhood epilepsy and still has hearing difficulties, said he quickly fell behind at school.

"I never caught up," he told me.

We put the festive poem away and took a trip to the shops.

Graham immediately read the words "hats", "toys" and "gloves" on the front of a pop-up shop selling Christmas wares, as Geoff looked on with pride, knowing his student is now applying his teaching to daily life.

Saturday afternoons are looking up, too, with Graham telling me he is now able to read the football scores on the television.

Graham's experience inspired others to join the free literacy scheme

Geoff said: "Graham is, by far, the best advert for Read Easy in Hull. He tells everyone about us. From him, we've got another three readers and a coach, which is marvellous."

Graham had a message for others unable to read: "Don't be embarrassed. You're never too old to learn. Learning to read will change your life."