DEALING WITH DYSLEXIA

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2019 :: RMTnews 24 R MT has welcomed a new direct service into Liverpool from Wrexham and Chester, the first passenger service on the Halton Curve for over 40 years. The Growth Track 360 campaign, driven by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force, is now looking forward to the introduction of direct services between Chester and Leeds. RMT member and local councillor Dave Bithell, a Growth Track 360 board member representing Transport Cabinet Members in North, said that the re-introduction of direct services from North Wales to Liverpool Lime Street was a great step forward for rail connectivity. “It was a pleasure for me to travel on the first scheduled service from Wrexham General to Liverpool Lime Street, with Welsh Government Minister for Economy and transport Ken Skates AM Ian Lucas MP and Wrexham Council Leader Mark Pritchard. “The new service takes around 50 minutes from Chester to Lime Street and only 35minutes or so to the station for Liverpool Airport, Liverpool South Parkway and many thousands of travellers will benefit from the new route,” he said. I ’m Mark Stokes, a commercial guard for South Western Railway. I can remember being told I was stupid but knowing I was not. I found out that I was dyslexic in my last year at school. I failed all my exams, and only began to appreciate learning and reading when I joined an adult education centre. Fourteen years ago, I found my dream job, where I got paid good money to run up and down the train and talk all the time! It was hell at first with learning the rules, routes and rolling stock. I still get uptight and physically ill at the thought of tests and assessments. The structure of the railway suits me. Being told what to do, when I’m having a holiday and so on really works for me. I have always been a champion of the downtrodden, socialist at heart and hate bullying, so twelve years ago I became an RMT health and safety representative. I flung myself headfirst into it, attending many courses. I recommend RMT courses to any member – it’s not like learning at all! My passion has given me a reputation of being rather dogmatic, to the point where I will not give up until I have found an answer. Two years ago, I failed my medical on my hearing, but thanks to the Equality Act, I got my employer to pay for my hearing aids. Recently, I went to my doctor about sleep problems, and when I finally stopped talking she asked me to fill out some forms because she believed I had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This has since been confirmed. If you need a statement, tests or to see a specialist, the Transport Benevolent Fund can help to pay. It’s taken fifty-three years but I can finally say that I am finding peace of mind. I am happy living as a dyslexic, ADHD, slightly autistic and very annoying person. In March, I attended the Disabled Members’ weekend at Doncaster run by Janine Booth. What a fantastic course! In April, I’m going to ask my RMT branch to nominate me for RMT’s National Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee and move a motion on a disability issue. I’m proud to be different and a part of the disability group, and truly grateful for what RMT does. DISABLED MEMBERS SPEAK OUT DEALING WITH DYSLEXIA NEW WREXHAM TO LIVERPOOL SERVICE