In 2000 Simon was diagnosed with a rare brain condition  called Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. Chiari malformation is a brain abnormality where the lower part of the brain becomes squeezed through the opening at the base of the skull into the top of the spinal canal. For Simon this meant that there was pressure  on his spinal cord and  interrupted flow of cerebral spinal fluid between his brain and spinal canal. This led to Syringomyelia - a cavity in his spinal cord filled with cerebrospinal fluid. 

Simon's condition impacted his breathing, swallowing, voice, vision and balance. He had major brain surgery and was very, very poorly for a long time. However Simon was not beaten. Through his own determination and with the constant support of his family, he leant to walk, talk, eat and live again.  It was an uphill climb with many stumbles along the way but Simon was not defeated. After years of recovery, he went on to work as a support worker for other people impacted by brain conditions and disabilities before doing a degree in Occupational Therapy and then a Masters in OT focusing on  neurological rehabilitation (with a dissertation that he wrote about himself!) Simon worked as a lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Coventry University and more recently for Coventry University Online. From his own experience , Simon was able to help many other people personally and inspire OT students at the start of their careers. We will always be so proud of him and everything that he achieved.

When Simon was first diagnosed , and in the tough years that followed , it was a scary time for him and our family trying to understand complex medical terminology, the impact of his condition and what this might mean for him. It was hard to find information and what we did find was bewildering and terrifying.  That is why, in memory of Simon, any gift you would like to give will be donated to the Ann Conroy Trust. This small charity provides support and information to people diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia and their families as well as funding research into these rare conditions. 

We miss Simon so much and are comforted to know that your gift will help other families like ours. 

Pat, Peter, Sally and Emma