* Simon right after his 12 hour surgery, and his first shave *

In May 2025, Simon’s life changed forever. What was meant to be a hopeful surgery to remove a rare tumor from his spinal cord has left him paralysed from the chest down.

Since that day, Simon has been in hospital — first in Bristol, and now in Salisbury — far away from his home, his friends, and his family. Every day he works so hard to rebuild his strength, learn new skills, and adjust to his new life in a wheelchair.

But being away from the people he loves and the place he calls home has taken a huge toll on his mental health. Simon had to spend his 40th birthday in hospital away from friends and family. 

Simon was thrown a surprise party when his close friend / carer visited, just as he does every weekend to bring a sense of normality into his life — but this birthday was far from what he expected. What should have been an ordinary visit turned into a heartfelt celebration filled with love, support, and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, he is surrounded by people who care deeply for him.

Throughout this journey Simon  has struggled with his learning difficulties and mental health being away from people he loves and who support him.

Being in hospital has presented Simon with many new and difficult challenges as he learns to live with a spinal cord injury. He is now adjusting to the realities of his condition, including being unable to regulate his body temperature, which means he takes on the temperature of the environment around him and must be constantly aware of overheating or getting too cold. Simon also faces ongoing complications with his suprapubic catheter, leaving him at high risk of infections and serious health conditions such as Autonomic Dysreflexia. Autonomic Dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a noxious stimulus below the level of a spinal cord injury (typically T6 or higher) triggers a sudden and dangerous spike in blood pressure. Common causes include bladder issues such as a full bladder, urinary tract infections, or a blocked catheter, as well as bowel problems like constipation or impaction. Other triggers can involve skin irritation, including pressure sores, burns, or tight clothing, and even minor injuries such as ingrown toenails or fractures. During his stay in hospital, Simon has already experienced several episodes of Autonomic Dysreflexia and infections, which, thankfully, have been successfully treated. He is now learning to recognise the warning signs and understand how to respond quickly to protect his health and prevent further complications.

Simon is determined to come home, but right now that simply isn’t possible. His house isn’t accessible and needs major adaptations before he can return. He’ll also need specialist equipment and aids to help him live safely and independently.

Not being able to work has left him struggling financially on top of everything else. Yet through it all, Simon’s courage, humour, and determination continue to shine through — he’s doing his best to stay positive and look forward, even on the hardest days.

We’re raising money to help Simon with:

• Essential home adaptations so he can return home safely

• Mobility aids and equipment to help him regain independence

• Travel and living expenses while he remains in hospital

• Support for his ongoing rehabilitation and mental wellbeing

Simon has always been the one to lift others up with a laugh and a smile — now it’s our turn to lift him. Any donation, big or small, will help give him the chance to rebuild his life and finally come home to where he belongs.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.

spending his 40th birthday in hospital

Image showing the tumor inside of the spinal cord (T2)

Simon happy with his weekly visit from close friend / carer Dave. To bring him some normality.

Simon enjoying some time away from the hospital on a rare visit to Salisbury town centre accompanied by his close friend / carer Dave who travels up weekly from Plymouth .. moments like this give Simon a needed sense of normality and time with those who care for him.