Joining the Welsh Guards aged just 16 in 1978, Simon was destined to serve for his country and return as a hero of war. Simon took well to life in service, going on operations across Kenya, Northern Ireland and Berlin. In 1982 he was deployed on a mission that would change his life, boarding RFA Sir Galahad during the Falkland War. Not long after boarding the vessel, it was struck by bombs of the Skyhawk Argentine fighters, leaving the ship engulfed in flames. Such a vessel was used for transporting phosphorus bomb, gallons of petrol and diesel and countless sources of ammunition which made the blaze worse. Fortunately, Simon was one of few to survive with 22 of 30 men killed. Simon came away a survivor of the Bluff Cove Air Attacks, sustaining 46% burns to his body and unfortunately leaving him with life-changing facial scarring.
Fortunate to be alive, Simon underwent serious reconstructive surgery to help heal his burns. After 96 surgical operations, skin from his shoulders made eyelids and his nose was reconstructed. As a result of the great trauma that befell Simon, he, unfortunately, suffered psychologically and became suicidal. However, with the support of his mother and regiment, Simon was able to overcome his demons and make a full recovery. After making a full recovery, Simon has gone on to feature prevalently on television contributing to both radio and television programmes to tell his story. He has had countless documentaries commissioned about his life and has also starred on This Is Your Life and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Simon has also prevalently campaigned for various political issues, in particular advocating the rights of veterans and military troops. He has appeared on prominent programmes, such as ITV News to push the importance of the correct treatment and healthcare for Army veterans and to bring awareness to any inadequate treatment. Throughout his life, Simon has been highly rewarded for his commitments to military service. During service, he was bestowed with the South Atlantic Medal with rosette and the General Service Medal with the Northern Ireland clasp. He has also been appointed OBE during the 1992 Birthday Honours and CBE during the 2016 New Year Honours. Cardiff University has also selected him as an Honorary Fellow and he has claimed Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
Highly sought as a motivational speaker, Simon is called upon to share his stories from military service and to inspire others to overcome adversity as he did. Having previously conducted a theatre tour around the UK, Simon is no stranger to large audiences and can command an audience with ease. Simon delivers confidently and authoritatively on life in the military and what it takes to work under pressure in such hostile environments. Guaranteed to leave an inspiring, motivational and influential impression on all audiences, Simon is the ideal guest for your next event.
