I was a lorry driver for about 30 years. I used to drive all over the U.K. The only disappointment was not going abroad. I went to Wales, Ireland, Scotland and all over Britain. My best area of travel was Scotland. I really loved the beautiful countryside and lovely scenery.

I love driving, but had to give up on doctor's advice, when it was diagnosed that I had arthritis on the right side of my back. He said if I carry on I could become a cripple. The trouble was what was I going to do if I give up driving? The only thing I knew was driving. With no other qualification, and no education, what was I supposed to to do?

The doctor said that I could always go back to college and study. Being pig-headed and ignorant I said I am too old to learn. I wish I had taken his advice about fifteen years ago. Now I am in the City of Bath College learning English, maths, and computers. I have never enjoyed myself so much studying with the other pupils. The teachers are brilliant. They are very patient,helpful,and understanding.

I never thought that I could ever be able to do all the things that I am doing now. When I first saw people on the computers, I said I could never use one of those. Now I cannot get off them. They help me quite a lot with my studies. I have improved on my writing, reading, spelling and maths. Now that I have come to terms with all of this, I would like to help other people less fortunate than myself.