Two years to make a difference - tributes to Southam man who never let Motor Neurone Disease defeat him

Much loved, generous and with a great sense of humour, the former Southam landlord and Warwick School pupil, aged 47, died peacefully at his home in Mannamead, Plymouth, last Thursday after a two-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

After being diagnosed with the muscle wasting condition in October 2009 and told he would have between six months and three years to live, Simon created a ‘bucket list’ of wishes on which the most important item was to raise £1 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Paying tribute to her “best friend and soul mate”, Simon’s wife Maxine said: “He was such an inspiration to us and I’m so proud to have been his wife because his thoughts and concerns for other people through all of this have been amazing.

“I can’t say how proud I am of him. From the beginning to the end he was doing these things to battle against the disease. He taught me so much, skiing and travelling the world, I’m going to have a big emptiness in my life for a long time.”

Maxine said Simon managed to complete half of the list, visiting Ayers Rock in Australia, travelling to South Africa, swimming with sharks and skiing at the Val d’Isere resort in France.

He raised awareness of motor neurone disease wherever he went and the fundraising drive he launched two years ago has already reached £329,000,

Hundreds of people from around the world have supported the cause through sponsored events and challenges, which have included rugby tournaments, half marathons, sponsored bicycle rides and music festivals.

Determined to help find a cure, Simon took part in a pioneering drug trial and has pledged his body to medical research.

His father, David, said: “We have to be proud of what Simon did, even though he was dying.

“It is the end of a very full life and all we can say is we are proud of what he did and full of admiration.”

Despite his increasing suffering, Simon retained his sense of humour.

When his friend Chris Line sent back a photo of himself on Kilimanjaro on a cloudy day, having trekked up the mountain to raise money for the MNDA, Simon sent a message saying ‘great effort, superb fundraising, s**t view’.”

While campaigning for the MNDA Simon met some of his sporting heroes, including England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, apline ski racer Chemmy Alcott and legendary England fly-half Johnny Wilkinson.

A former member of Southam RUFC, who was affectionately known as ‘Ginger’, Simon captained the club’s second team for three seasons.

The club has said: “This terrible illness has robbed us and many others of a real character who inspired many before and during his illness.

“His legacy will live on and Southam RUFC will continue to support his charity effort.”

Simon moved to the Plymouth 16 years ago and worked most recently as a headteacher at an excluded pupils’ unit.

A celebration of his life will take place at St Andrew’s church in Whimple Street in the city, on Tuesday, his birthday, from noon.

A service for close friends and family will take place at Weston Mill Crematorium later in the day and the wake will be held at Plymouth Albion RFC.

Southam Rugby Club is providing a coach for the day.

More details are available on the club’s website.

Donations to Simon’s cause can be made at www.justgiving.com/fatherabraham