On Friday night I had the privilege of attending Sir Jackie Stewart’s ‘Race Against Dementia’ charity dinner.
After learning of this remarkable man’s life I was determined to meet him, because, aside from the fact that he is a Formula One racing legend, orchestrating world wide research into a cure for dementia, he is also dyslexic.
Sir Jackie dropped out of school at 15. School was too hard and he was called stupid, thick and dumb. At 41 when one of his son’s was being diagnosed with dyslexia, he felt ‘rescued’ by learning that he in fact also had dyslexia and was not stupid at all. So both son’s have dyslexia and 6 of his 9 grandchildren do too. I marvel at what dyslexics achieve given their challenges, however I’m not surprised as I get to experience my own daughter’s incredible dyslexic skill set daily.
Sir Jackie Stewart OBE is the President of Dyslexia Scotland. His aim is to ensure no child goes through educational trauma like he did. ‘We aspire to create a dyslexia-friendly Scotland that values the skills and talents of dyslexic people’. This vision stopped me in my tracks. Isn’t that both beautiful and powerful. I might just fly off to Scotland right now.
Anyway, back to the dinner… After learning of his profound impact in dyslexia awareness and support, I knew I had to meet him. So, at the very next break in presentations I set off amongst 800 guests to find him.
And I did.
I’m pleased my aim to help dyslexic children allowed me to talk comfortably and share ‘I’m a Dyslexic Superhero‘ with him. 🦸♀️ I was in awe of Sir Jackie’s presence, wisdom and humbleness and was so touched when he asked if he could keep my business card. This chance meeting with a living legend was unexpected yet so natural.
I truly hope our paths cross again Sir Jackie. It certainly was a delight.
