Legacy Gift Helps Buckinghamshire Adults Learn to Read

A quiet supporter of education has left a gift that will change lives across Buckinghamshire for years to come.

Graham Jones, who passed away recently, made it clear before his death that he wanted to support adult learning in his community. His cousin Lynn and her daughter Lisa honored that wish by making a significant donation to Read Easy Chilterns, a charity that offers free, one-to-one reading coaching to adults.

Jones grew up attending Woodside Secondary School and developed a lifelong passion for equal opportunities. Though he was a private man, those close to him knew education and literacy were causes he cared deeply about.

Lynn and Lisa discovered Read Easy Chilterns while searching for the perfect organization to fulfill Jones's wishes. The charity provides confidential reading support to adults who never learned to read or lost the skill over time.

The donation will allow Read Easy Chilterns to expand its reach across the county, helping more people gain the freedom that comes with literacy. From filling out job applications to reading bedtime stories to their children, the impact of learning to read ripples through every part of life.

The Ripple Effect

In tribute to Jones's generosity, every future learner who completes the program will receive a certificate bearing his name. It's a lasting reminder that one person's belief in others can unlock countless opportunities.

Lynn and Lisa haven't stopped at the donation. They've become actively involved with Read Easy Chilterns, which now considers them part of the organization's family.

The charity estimates that around 7% of adults in England struggle with reading, a challenge that affects employment, healthcare, and daily independence. Jones's gift means more people in Buckinghamshire will get the support they need to overcome that barrier.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a reading coach or who knows someone who could benefit from free reading support can contact Read Easy Chilterns at 01494 926171.

One man's quiet commitment to education is now giving voice to those ready to read their own stories.