SIMON WESTON OBE.
In 1982 the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands. On board was Simon Weston, Welsh Guardsman, a name and face that was going to become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries (46% burns) and redefine his role in life. Simon's message is one of achievement, of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding.
Following his injuries, Simon's road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures including 'The Weston Spirit', a Liverpool-based young people's charity. His charitable work earned him an OBE in the 1992 Queen's Birthday Honours. 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. He was honored as one of the top 100 Welsh Heroes in 2004, and 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.
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. Most recently he has helped to set up Care After Combat - a charity for veterans.
Simon's story has been well publicised and he has been the subject of five major BBC Television documentaries: 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.
In 2008 Simon presented reports for ITN covering the 90th Anniversary of the end of the First World War and 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.
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.
Simon has published 4 children's books - "A Nod From Nelson", "Nelson to the Rescue" and "Nelson at Sea"and"Get Fit wit Nelson" and in 2014 was delighted to be asked to voiceover some children's stories for CBeebies.
In 2015 Simon embarked on a 20 date theatre tour across the UK, which looks likely to expand into 2016 given the success of the tour so far.
A successful businessman too, Simon currently runs his own security business in South Wales and is a director of Zappawoo, set up to help transform the disabled holiday market.
Simon is married to Lucy and has three children and is a proud Grandfather to young Zachary.
Motivational Speaker
Along with Simon's work with a number of charities he is also a professional motivational speaker with over 25 years experience. Simon not only talks about overcoming adversity and positive mental attitude but also his experiences of being in the public eye over the last 30 years.
His irrepressible humour, infectious enthusiasm and immediately engaging personality, have made him the number one choice of many companies who invite him back to speak time and again. An inspiring and moving keynote speaker, Simon is also a wonderful and humorous after dinner speaker.
Speaking Topics Include -
1. Overcoming Adversity
2. Accepting Change
3. Taking up the Challenges for now and the Future
4. Liking the Person You Are (Enjoy living in the skin you have)
5. Diversity
6. Bravery & Dignity
Simon also speaks after dinner and has hosted a number of awards including the Multimodal Awards and British Farming Awards.
Testimonials
Simon has spoken for numerous organizations from PLCs, Associations, Medical organizations through to smaller business Groups. Recent feedbacks include -
"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"
Conference in Cardiff 2015
"Simon was absolutely amazing, as I am sure you are aware. The feedback has been extremely positive!"
Conference in Boston 2015
"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."
Housing association 2015
"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."
March 2015
"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 2015
"He received a standing ovation at the end of his talk so I think you can gage how he was received. An inspirational man who makes you thank god for the good things life can bring and a reminder of an attitude to adopt when bad things take over."
October 2014
"Feedback has been fantastic with "totally inspirational" the most frequently used phrase. His presentation was at times both heartbreaking and hilarious and he was extremely generous with his time, - truly a top bloke." -
September 2014
"Simon was outstanding and couldn't have been more accomodating. He was the highlight of the weekend"
Commonwealth Summit 2014
"Simon was absolutely excellent - please pass on our thanks again for making our event the success that it was. Simon took time to chat to people over reception drinks, and was very engaging throughout Dinner. He then delivered a very entertaining account of his life"
April 2014
The Standing Ovation that Simon received last night said it all. I don't think I have ever witnessed an after-dinner speaker receiving such an accolade. The warmth, respect and affection for Simon was quite amazing to see. Not at all surprising though, as clearly in a very special way he has captured the hearts and minds of many people and his wonderful performance last night just underlined the high regard in which he is held. He was so approachable before and during Dinner and many took the opportunity to come and shake his hand and to talk to him. He didn't disappoint anyone.
Rotary Club Dinner 2014
"Simon was superb. He was a delight as far as organisation and timings go and his talk was hugely impressive in every possible way. I have lots of quotes that I will email you to give him from the very positive feedback he has had from all delegates."
February 2014
"Simon was a massive hit with our guests and the only celeb we've had to get a standing ovation before he got to the stage"
Care Awards
"We have had some tremendous feedback from our employees, subcontractors and clients. There were quite a few people who said that they could not believe that they actually had the privilege to meet Simon in person, as they remembered Simon from when they watched the Falklands war conflict unfold and the injuries that he sustained as a result"
JSM
"Simon was fabulous and the response back from the team has been more than positive. Some said they had met their hero, one member of staff phoned his Dad and Simon spoke with him, couple of the girls cried. He was very funny as well and gave some really good messages. Afterwards he sold signed copies of his children's books (just in time for Christmas) and didn't mind having his photo taken with individual staff which was great."
Trident Social Investment Group
"Simon was brilliant! What an inspirational and lovely person. I could have listened to him for hours . He made a huge impact on me and many others."
Vodafone
"Simon was absolutely brilliant and pitched his speech just where we wanted it - i.e addressing the children specifically as well as the wider audience. It's testament to him that not only did he hold them in thrall for 30 mins ... but they all seem to have absorbed and remembered a lot of his key messages about self-belief and taking responsibility for getting the most out of life."
Oratory Prep School
"The guest speaker was Simon Weston, the Falklands War veteran, who gave a truly inspirational speech on overcoming adversity, determination and the benefits of self-belief."
Principle, Leeds City College
"Yesterday was fantastic and everyone I have spoken to was really blown away by Simon, his story and the messages he shared. We would have loved to have given him longer, and it was great that he did address all 650 or so of our staff. We really appreciated the time given to various groups of young people he saw, a brilliant day."
Helena Partnerships
"Simon was brilliant! What an inspirational and lovely person. I could have listened to him for hours . He made a huge impact on me and many others."
Vodafone
"Simon Weston's each word was held on to by all, and one could hear a pin drop for over 1 hour, even the young people didn't object to sitting for over an our, an inspirational session with a man who overcame so many of the barriers in his life."
Blackburn Cathedral
"Simon was amazing, the whole organisation was in tears and laughter with his speech he was so inspirational everyone was so touched by his speech"
SLH
"Very inspiring talk. It was a very powerful one and related well to team work."
Admiral
"Simon's talk was inspirational, moving and in parts very funny. It was a great start to our day and he left leaving the clinicians in the audience with a lot to think about."
Royal College of Psychiatrists
"Simon was the best motivational speaker that we have ever had and scored 100% on the speaker table"
SLCC
Find out how to book Simon Weston OBE as the inclusion & diversity speaker for your next event by calling SpeakOut! on 020 8914 8966 or clicking the button below.
