Day #793: Thank you and farewell
It is with great sadness we post Simon's final update on this blog.
On the afternoon of Friday 22nd August 2025, Simon decided that this wretched disease had taken everything it would from him and, in a beautiful and serene spot in Switzerland, surrounded by his family, he wrested control of the fight away from his tormentor and ended it peacefully on his own terms.
His courage and strength in the face of the final unknown was an inspiration to us all. You will not be surprised to hear he was smiling, joking and spreading joy to the very end.
He left his own words of farewell and thanks, which we share below. He was incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed so generously to his fight: thank you all for taking the time to share in his story.
And now, over to Simon...
Well, nuts. I didn’t quite make 1,000 days.
By the time you read this, I will have passed into the next dimension, whatever that may be.
Or perhaps, knowing my luck, I was reincarnated as that slug in the cupboard under your kitchen sink. If it has a big nose and receding hairline, throw me a lettuce leaf, would you?
There are so many people I would like to thank. So many who helped me and my family over these tough two and a bit years. I want this post to be dedicated to them.
Thank you
My friends from my days working at BT, who spent all day climbing Welsh mountains to raise money for the MND Association, and who have supported me to the hilt.
My wonderful colleagues and Bjorn, my manager, at Nationwide, who have worked so hard for me and my family. You truly made a difference, thank you so much.
All my Work pals who became great friends from Lloyds in the UK and AMP in Australia. Not only did you make my life so much richer with your friendship, but you taught me so much as well. Particular shout out to Daniel T, one of the sharpest guys I have ever met, who believed in me and helped me build a career as my manager. Not a bad surfer, either…!
Marc, Jordan, Ed, Chris and Nick - my school Dads’ group. I barely got to know you before this shitty disease struck me, but you really turned up for me and I know Ria and our wee man will still have fun with you for many years to come. I take my hat off to Marc, he sat with me for hours to help me clear my head, whilst also recording a mini-podcast with me.
My wonderful university friends. These fantastic people who helped me find my feet in the world. They always made me laugh until I cried. If the meaning of life is to find great friends and experience joy, I couldn’t have asked for more out of these guys. A special thank you to Darren Burr, who ran the Brighton Marathon earlier this year, raising thousands for the MND Association.
My friends from school - we have been close for so long. Laughing and relentlessly teasing each other since the 80s! I am so lucky to have found you, our little Bracknell gang that went a long way. You made me the guy I am today (so it’s all your fault!).
My auntie Ro, always there for me with a kind message and a fun present for our son to play with. You always looked out for me - thank you.
Dyson, Jimmy and Pete. What do I even say? I lived with these three heroes for many years in London during my 20s, and we remained close ever since. Everyone else who meets them can’t help saying what a great bunch of guys they are. Because they are. I will miss you so much, fellas. And Dyson, thank you for being with me in my final few days. Even if we could barely get the words out through the emotion, it meant the world to me.
Andy. My oldest friend. Also with me at the end. We shaped each other through countless years. You will never meet a more gentle and thoughtful soul. I was insanely lucky to have met you, the luckier still that you decided to stick around with me. Thank you for being you, my friend.
Ria, my gorgeous, patient, loyal, sweet wife whom I will leave a widow. I’m so sorry. You never deserved this but boy, did we have some fun adventures together. Even though my life has been cut short, I would do it all over again if it meant being with you.
My wonderful family. Both of my parents, my brother and my sister. My happiest memories are growing up with you, those endless summer adventures, roast lunches on a Sunday afternoon, bike rides around the woods, Christmases together that made my heart sing. The unconditional love, support and affection you have given me since getting diagnosed has blown me away. I was so blessed to be born into this family. You have given me so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, my little lad. Never have I loved someone so much. I did not think it was possible. I’m so proud of you - both Ria and I are. Every year with you has been better than the last. My greatest achievement in this life was helping to bring you into the world, and to see you grow up. There is nothing I will miss more than our silly games, our mad chats, the sheer excitement on your face as you show me a new trick you learned that day. You are the biggest part of me that will live on. I’m just so sorry that I couldn’t stay for longer.
And farewell.
If you would like to, please use the comments section at the bottom to leave your own messages of love and condolence - in a few weeks time we will take the messages and memorialise them in the blog.