Simon Weston CBE

Only a handful of people would have recognised the Simon Weston who headed out for the Falklands Conflict back in June 1982. But the face of the Simon Weston who returned from the bombing of the Sir Galahad is recognised the world over, not for his disfigurement from 46% burns but for the optimism which he radiates.

His determination has inspired courage and the will to excel in countless others. His irrepressible humour, his infectious enthusiasm and his immediately engaging personality have made him the number one choice of many companies who invite Simon back to speak time and again. Hearing his lilting Welsh tones recount all that he has undergone, the audience is left marvelling at the fact that Simon did not allow himself to wallow in self-pity.

A native of Mid-Glamorgan, Simon Weston joined the Welsh Guards in 1978, seeing active service in Berlin, Northern Ireland and Kenya before setting off to the Falklands that was to prove to be such a terrible turning point in his young life.

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. He remains a tireless worker for the Royal British legion and the Royal Star and Garter Home. His charitable work earned him an OBE in the 1992, Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Television and radio appearances, including the major BBC documentaries ‘Simon’s War’, ‘Simon’s Peace’, ‘Simon’s Triumph’ and ‘Simon’s Return’ have been complemented by literary success as a best-selling autobiography and, most recently, as an author of fiction. Now married to Weston Spirit volunteer Lucy with two children, Simon Weston’s experience and story is one of triumph over adversity.

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.

His autobiography, Walking Tall, was No 1 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 with Nelson” and in 2014 was delighted to be asked to voiceover some children’s stories for CBeebies.

Most recently, in the 2016 New Year`s Honours Simon was awarded the CBE for his charitable work.

As many clients have told us, Simon is able to be funny and jet communicate important and serious messages. He is an inspiration to all.

“Nothing but brilliant and a highlight to the voyage! Simon’s main talk has to be simply one of the most moving but inspirational talks we have ever heard. I don’t think any of us have seen or experienced the Theatre as busy as it was and this only reflected the incredibly wide appeal Simon held; literally the entire ship wanted to hear him speak. Simon truly delivers the goods, presenting his talks with humour, charisma and a character that shines through but whilst only in the most humble of ways.  His talk was the first time we have seen the entire theatre stand at the end in the way they did after this one, with half the Theatre in tears, an incredibly special moment. A fine speaker who speaks naturally and from heart with no use of notes, he couldn’t fail to move & inspire. An exceptional gentlemen, and certainly top of our list of speakers to see return.” Cunard

“All of the teams feedback has been very positive, thought provoking & motivational” – GSK

“Simon was nothing short of brilliant and real inspiration and the feedback from the attendee’s was all positive” – British Gas

“I have however spoken to several people involved who reported that the event was a huge success and apparently Simon had people in tears and was a huge success.” – NHS

“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

“We were all very pleased with Simon’s after dinner speech, thank you.  He got a standing ovation so you could say it went down well!  It was also refreshing that he stayed for the meal and chatted away to people afterwards too.  (It makes you feel like you get a bit more value for money!) He’s a genuinely nice man who has clearly been through far more than most of us are ever likely to, and as such is an inspiration” – Ordnance Survey 

“Simon's presentation was enjoyed by all – I thought he was moving, funny and inspirational. I spoke to Simon at the end of the day and thought he was just a great guy.”     Premier Foods

“The event went really well and Simon was excellent – a  real inspiration.”   Centro

“It was a great pleasure to have Simon as our guest at the SVC Lunch and Seminar, he was a great inspiration to all, and there was laughter and tears through his speech, which ended in a standing ovation.  We have had lots of lovely comments and the day was a great success” SVC

Simon was aboard RFA Sir Galahad when it was bombed by Argentine jets in 1982.  Aged just 20, he suffered 46 per cent burns.  Thirty years later I spoke to Simon following his recent return to the British islands in the South Atlantic for the filming of an ITV documentary ‘Return to the Falklands’.  It’s clear that Simon’s determination has inspired courage and the will to excel in countless others.  It’s understandable how his irrepressible humour and infectious enthusiasm have made him the number one choice of many companies who invite Simon back to speak at their events time and again.

Who or what was your motivation to keep going?
It’s quite straightforward really I just didn’t want to die.  There was so much more I wanted to do.  I admit it was a hard road, it wasn’t easy.

I am quite ambitious and competitive and there are so many motivators. I don’t have a huge ego, but with just one feeling of achievement, it makes you feel so much better and with each bit of success you thrive.

What was is like returning to the Falklands recently?
Well I’ve been back many times and each time it’s been different.  I returned in December for the filming of the documentary ‘Return to the Falklands’ and then again in April.  .  The first time I went back it was very emotional, but one of the best times was in December.  It’s all about the legacy and success and the way The Falklanders are coping now.  It’s fantastic to see what they have achieved, it proves that it was all worth it – that they did something with the investment.  The Falklands had a stroke of luck with discovering oil, and they are doing so much with protecting the wildlife and ecology. It now has a huge tourism industry.  They have invested in this enormously with gift shops, fast food outlets and accommodation and on the back of this they have invested in learning about the battles and the history of where it all took place.

Why is it important for businesses and organisations to motivate staff in a recession?
When you’re at the bottom you need to find a way to re-energise.  Change always happens and if you’re not ready for change then it takes you by surprise and you have to play catch up.  It’s about preparing and investing in yourself.  People need to feel valued.

What was the turning point of your experience?
There were lots of turning points, they were all just staging points along the way.  A turning point was the first time I did something for nothing because I just felt valued, carrying 3 poppy wreaths in London meant something to me.  It meant they valued my input and it was lovely to be able to do something for others.  Purchasing my own house, doing all the things around the 30th anniversary.  All of these things were big marks in my recovery.

Were there times you thought you would not survive?
There weren’t many times but just one time when I thought it was all too much, I closed my eyes and thought I wouldn’t wake up.  This was on the ship.  I contemplated suicide following this whilst suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).  There was a lack of investment by the Government in this.  It was only in 1987 following various court cases that the Government recognised this as a disorder.  It was about the money and people were treated appallingly.  I don’t feel bitter about this however.  Physically I was given the best possible care but mentally given no care at all.

What are you hoping to achieve in the future?
There are no ends to this; I’m creating an engineering consultancy at the moment.  It’s starting to grow rapidly.  I’m also working with young people in prisons, it’s an organisation called Quantum performance, it helps people to find their way with their lives after leaving prison.  This takes over from Weston Spirit which was about helping young people.  My children’s book ‘Nelson at Sea’ is one of the top selling children’s books.  I’m also working on a campaign to help raise funds for service personnel.  When one avenue closes down it’s all about opening up another one.  Future is all about reinvesting to find a way forward.  I am still investing.

Can you delegate?
Yes as long as I trust the person.  For me, it’s all about trust, these people have to make themselves trustworthy.  If I delegate I don’t expect excuses, if the task is beyond that person then I expect them to speak up.

What makes a good manager or leader?
This amounts to the same thing.  You have to have the trust of your staff and be honest to be a good leader.  You need to get to know your people and don’t over trust them, never become too arrogant.

Why do you think it is important to book an external speaker?
Certain types of speakers have a lot more to offer and can benefit an organisation massively.  My talk is all about overcoming adversity and my message is one of single-minded determination, to not only accept what is, but to turn that to your advantage.  I feel that my own experiences demonstrate clearly that such a positive mental attitude can achieve great goals.

An interview by Debbie Thomas