Simon Weston

Simon Weston OBE (born 1961 in Nelson, Wales) is known throughout Britain as the soldier who suffered burn injuries during the Falklands War and subsequently became an inspiration to those with similar injuries.

Biography

Weston joined the Welsh Guards in 1978 at the age of seventeen. In 1982, he was with other members of his regiment on the ship, the RFA Sir Galahad, just off the Falkland Islands, when it was set on fire by enemy bombs. Weston survived with terrible burns, following which his face was barely recognisable. Rejecting the extensive plastic surgery which might have helped him return to something like his original appearance, Weston set out to give hope and courage to other sufferers

He has since worked for his charity Weston Spirit, which has made him a celebrity and gained him the OBE. After recovering from his initial injuries, Weston became a well-known personality on radio and television, especially within Wales, and continues to present his own radio show on BBC Radio Wales

In 2006 Weston, along with dual code (Rugby League and Rugby Union) international David Watkins, were installed as patrons of the Welsh Rugby League, in a ceremony held in the Welsh Assembly

Trivia

• Yes Sir, I Will, an album by UK punk band Crass, takes its name from a conversation attributed to have taken place between Charles, Prince of Wales and a badly burned soldier returning from the Falklands War -- there is some speculation that this soldier was in fact Simon Weston.

Personal life

Maried to Lucy, who also works for the charity, the couple have three children

External links

• Weston Spirit charity - official website