Member Article

Simon Weston OBE guest of honour at charity ball

Falkland’s War Veteran, author and charity supporter, Simon Weston OBE, was the guest of honour at a charity ball in Liverpool.

The ADHD Foundation and Young People’s Advisory Service (YPAS) held their third annual charity ball and achievement awards at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory.

Simon, who was awarded Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2002 in recognition of his bravery and his charity work in the region and who is also a patron at the ADHD Foundation, opened the event with a pre-dinner speech on the importance of helping children and young people to turn their lives around.

In 1982, Simon was badly injured when his ship, Sir Galahad, was destroyed during the Falklands War. Following his injuries (46 per cent burns), Simon became active in a number of highly successful ventures, including his own national youth charity, Weston Spirit. He remains a tireless worker for a number of charities and this work earned him an OBE in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Simon Weston OBE said:

“Although I suffered horrific injuries in the Falklands War and went on to have numerous operations, I was one of the lucky ones. I survived. Since then, it has been my privilege to work with many worthwhile charities, like the ADHD Foundation and YPAS, and share my experience of overcoming adversity and keeping a positive mental attitude. “I feel passionately about the often unseen work that the ADHD Foundation and YPAS are carrying out in Liverpool to promote the mental health and well being of children and young people , as It is so important that children and young people are given the best possible start in life and the support that they need, especially when they are in crisis, so they can overcome any challenges they face. I am also a Merseysider myself, and my mother still lives on the Wirral, so it is always great to come home as the city holds a special place in my heart.” The ADHD Foundation delivers a range of services designed to support those individuals and families living with ADHD. It is one of very few charities in the UK to offer a range services and early intervention, which greatly improves the social inclusion and life chances of the individuals it works with.

Dr Tony Lloyd, acting CEO of the ADHD Foundation, said:

“Simon’s story is inspirational and he is a perfect example of someone who has gone on to achieve amazing things even though there were significant obstacles in the way.

“His single-minded determination to not only accept what is, but to turn that to his advantage, is incredible and we feel very lucky to have Simon’s support which will help to challenge the stigma associated with ADHD and promote the work we are doing to improve the mental health and life chances of children and families living with ADHD.”

The Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS) has been working with children and young people in Liverpool since 1966. The charity offers counselling, support, advice and guidance to more than 1,000 children and young people aged between 5 and 25 each year, as well as support for their families.

Monique Collier, chief executive at Young People’s Advisory Service, said:

“We so enjoyed having Simon talk about his life and career at our ball. He is such a funny, enthusiastic and engaging speaker and he really inspired our guests with his incredible story.

“He is also a great role model for the young people we work with who attended the event, as he is proof that anything is possible whatever life throws at you.”

The ADHD Foundation and YPAS Charity Ball and Achievement Awards took place at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Liverpool.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Lowe .