Simon Weston is an extraordinary human being, both motivational and inspirational. His message is one of determination to accept what is, and to turn that to your advantage.
His life and career clearly demonstrate how a positive mental attitude can achieve great goals – both in business and in your personal life. He shares his personal story in a way which benefits other people, along with his sense of humour and self-deprecating style.
Simon Weston is an inspiring choice of speaker, equally at home at a conference, a lunch or dinner, or at an awards event for clients, colleagues, children and students.
Simon was awarded the OBE in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours in 1992 and then was delighted to receive the CBE in the New Year’s Honours of 2016, both times for his charitable work.
In 1978, Simon joined the Welsh Guards. Before joining the Falklands Task Force, he saw active service in Berlin, Northern Ireland and Kenya. Aged just 20, he was aboard the Sir Galahad when it was bombed by Argentine planes during the Falklands war. The burns he suffered on that day required a series of operations. Despite horrific injuries and the physical and mental suffering they have caused, Simon’s life is an outstanding example of great personal triumph and courage. 2007 was the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands War.
In 1988, Simon co-founded the charity Weston Spirit, to helping young people aged 14-25 from deprived areas. His charity commitments include work on behalf of the Royal British Legion, the PHAB organisation and the Royal Star and Garter Home. He took part in HTV’s Telethon and spearheaded the fundraising for the Children of Bosnia appeal.
Simon’s life is very active. He taught himself to fly, and has competed successfully on the country’s motor racing circuits, turning himself into a highly proficient saloon racing car driver.
He is well-known as a broadcasting celebrity and has hosted his own show for BBC Radio Wales.
His story has been well publicised and has been the subject of numerous major BBC television documentaries – Simon’s War, Peace, Simon’s Triumph and Simon’s Return as well as being a “victim” on This Is Your Life. His autobiography Walking Tall was a number one bestseller and has been issued in paperback. Going Back was also a bestseller and was in the Top 10 for eight weeks. He has been commissioned to write a series of science fiction books, the first of which was Cause of Death and the most recent, Phoenix.
Not a man to sit still, and passionate about encouraging young people to read, Simon has written two books for children: A Nod from Nelson and Nelson to the Rescue. Nelson, a retired carthorse who lives at the St Mary Dairy in Pont-y-Cary with his farmyard friends, has some wonderful adventures.
Simon is frequently asked to speak and to give readings of his books in school classes and at Book Week events. One DBA Speakers client (a high school) booked Simon no less than six times to speak, as he inspires their students so greatly, and they re-named one of their buildings in his honour.
Simon recently founded a new charity Care after Combat to research into PTSD, depression and mental illness which affect service personnel and their families.
Born in Mid Glamorgan, Simon is married with three children and two grandchildren and lives in South Wales.