Feature
Can you help injured veretarn hero Simon Weston’s dream to ride come true?
Falklands veteran Simon Weston hopes to realise a lifetime’s ambition to ride a motorcycle. Simon has a CBE and is well known for his charity work and recovery from severe burn injuries during the Falklands War. His dream could become a reality, thanks to a campaign launched by record-breaking rider Norman Hyde.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 28 September 2020 | 0 min read
On meeting Simon, Norman was inspired by his resilience and his story of triumph over adversity. “I learnt of Simon’s passion to ride a motorcycle when we met, and that is where the idea started. With the help, kindness and support from fellow motorcycle riders, veterans and friends within the industry, I believe we can make his dream come true."
Simon sustained serious injuries on RFA Sir Galahad in 1982, these injuries make it impossible for him to operate the controls on a traditional motorcycle set-up. Norman, who worked as a development engineer for Triumph in the 60’s & 70’s, is looking to modify a trike for him. "I have always wanted to own a motorcycle,” explains Simon. “My injuries prevent me from operating hand controls on a normal motorcycle, so I could never ride one. This opportunity makes me keener than ever to taste the sense of freedom that riding a trike will give me". Their campaign has received support from Triumph Motorcycles, who have donated a new Bonneville T120 to be the base for the bespoke trike build. Converting a standard motorcycle to a trike, specially adapted for Simon’s needs, will be a methodical and costly operation. Norman has already received offers of support from fellow-motorcyclists impressed by Simon’s determination and charity work, however more funds are required to complete the build. The total project cost is estimated at circa £25,000. If you would like to find out more and support the campaign, please visit their JustGiving page. Norman will be updating the page throughout the project, with regular reporting on the progress of the build.
Simon sustained serious injuries on RFA Sir Galahad in 1982, these injuries make it impossible for him to operate the controls on a traditional motorcycle set-up. Norman, who worked as a development engineer for Triumph in the 60’s & 70’s, is looking to modify a trike for him. "I have always wanted to own a motorcycle,” explains Simon. “My injuries prevent me from operating hand controls on a normal motorcycle, so I could never ride one. This opportunity makes me keener than ever to taste the sense of freedom that riding a trike will give me". Their campaign has received support from Triumph Motorcycles, who have donated a new Bonneville T120 to be the base for the bespoke trike build. Converting a standard motorcycle to a trike, specially adapted for Simon’s needs, will be a methodical and costly operation. Norman has already received offers of support from fellow-motorcyclists impressed by Simon’s determination and charity work, however more funds are required to complete the build. The total project cost is estimated at circa £25,000. If you would like to find out more and support the campaign, please visit their JustGiving page. Norman will be updating the page throughout the project, with regular reporting on the progress of the build.
