Simon Weston OBE
Simon Weston CBE's story is one of great courage and determination. Consequently his determination has inspired courage and the will to excel in countless others. He entertains with his irrepressible humour and inspires with his infectious enthusiasm. What's more is his immediately engaging personality has made him the number one choice of many companies who invite Simon back to speak time and again.
About Simon Weston OBE
Only a handful of people will have remembered the face of the Simon Weston CBE who headed out for the Falklands Conflict in June 1982. But the face of the Simon Weston when he returned from the bombing of the Sir Galahad is recognised the world over. And it isn’t for his disfigurement from the 46% burns but for the optimism which he radiates. Massively inspirational Simon is a truly great speaker. Simon’s message is one of achievement, of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding.
Simon Weston was aboard the Sir Galahad when it was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands in 1982 . Serving in the Welsh Guards, his name, and face became instantly famous for the immense struggle to had ahead of him to overcome his injuries (46% burns). These injuries also redefined his life.
Simon’s story has been well publicised and he has been the subject of a number of BBC Television documentaries. Namely Simon’s War, Simon’s Peace, Simon’s Triumph, Simon’s Return and in April 1999, Simon’s Journey.
In 2014 he was nominated by viewers on the BBC One Show to have his Portrait painted and hung in the National Portrait Gallery, and BBC documentary followed Simon and the process behind creating the portrait.
Simon has presented reports for ITN covering the 90th Anniversary of the end of the First World War. In addition in late 2011 he returned to the Falklands Islands to film a documentary to help mark the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands War in 2012.
Simon Weston’s Charity Work
Following his injuries, Simon’s road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures. These included ‘The Weston Spirit’, a Liverpool-based young people’s charity.
His charitable work earned him an OBE in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Furthermore, he was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2002 in recognition of his bravery and his charity work in the region. And he was honored as one of the top 100 Welsh Heroes in 2004. In 2014, in a survey conducted by Freud Communications, Simon was voted top of the UK’s Heroes Index, naming him the Nations Favourite Hero.
In the 2016 New Year’s Honours Simon was awarded the CBE for his charitable work. For two years Simon was the President for Wales Scouting and is currently the Patron of the Falkland Veterans Foundation, The Enham Trust, Allied Service Trust and an Ambassador for Changing Faces.
Walking Tall by Simon Weston CBE
His autobiography, Walking Tall, was No1 in the best-selling list. Going Back was also a best seller being in the top 10 for eight weeks. He then wrote a series of fiction books with titles such as Cause of Death and Phoenix. His most recent book, Moving On was published in 2003 and sees Simon lay his Falklands ghosts to rest.
- Overcoming Adversity
- Accepting Change
- Taking up the Challenges for now and the Future
- Liking the Person You Are (Enjoy living in the skin you have)
- Diversity
- Bravery
Testimonials
"Simon was a huge success. People are still talking about it and everyone I've spoken to found Simon's address really inspirational and very moving. His remarks about rehabilitation had particular resonance with the delegates and he pitched everything perfectly. It was just right for our conference"
NFEA
"The audience was spellbound and everyone marked Simon in the highest category (excellent) in the feedback forms. I don't think we could have chosen anyone better to bring our conference to a close."
Headteachers Conference
"He was such an inspiration and moved everyone with his courage, determination and passion to help young people succeed. Delegates were talking about him all day and into the evening last night. He truly made an indelible mark on us all."
Sunday Mirror
"Simon was such an inspiration. After all that he has been through his positive outlook on life really made me sit up and think. His added humour made it even more enjoyable."
The Housing Association
"Simon was absolutely amazing, as I am sure you are aware. The feedback has been extremely positive!"
Boston Conference
"Professional, polite, courteous. the audience loved him, he was engaging and very generous with his time - a hit!"
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