A Moray man, who was confined to a wheelchair by a devastating virus, has turned his life around by reading stories to children.
Derek Merson was unable to walk for five years after a severe bout of glandular fever, and was forced into medical retirement at the age of 34.
Following the end of his 15-year career as a postman, Mr Merson decided to throw himself into volunteering and subsequently launched a story club for children with additional needs.
The venture has blossomed beyond his wildest expectations, and he has now read to youngsters at more than 20 different primary schools and nurseries across the north-east.
Yesterday, the father-of-two ran a storytelling session at Buckie’s Cluny Primary School, where a group of pupils played along by dressing up as farm animals.
The 43-year-old was stricken with illness 10 years ago, and spent five years afterwards in a wheelchair.
But now, he hopes his volunteering efforts can lead to a new job as a classroom assistant.
Mr Merson said: “The fever meant I had to start from scratch again, and build myself back up.
“I’m still far from 100%, and I struggle with my mobility, but as soon as I was back on my feet, I was looking for ways to get back into work.
“In 2013, I began helping unemployed people fill in forms at the job centre, and that led to me volunteering at Buckie Library.
“It was there that I started reading stories to children, and developed a flair for it.”
In an effort to spark a passion for reading among more of Moray’s children, Mr Merson offered to carry out story sessions at schools.
He brings props with him, and encourages the youngsters to act out his tales and bring them to.
He added: “I find I am comfortable in that classroom environment and I’m a lot easier on my feet than I would be outside. But I don’t see myself as doing anything special.”
Mr Merson, who is from Buckie, but now lives in Cullen, has recently been commended by the Fathers Network Scotland charity.
The group seeks to highlight the important role a father can play in the life of their children.
Mr Merson has two boys, 19-year-old Keelan and six-year-old Oliver.
