Simon, a 51-year-old senior QHSE Engineer from Norwich, has a lifelong passion for cars and motorbikes. After leaving school, he trained as a mechanic and eventually focused his interests on motorbikes, owning several models like the Honda SP1 and ZX6, and Ducati 748 and 998. He also participated in race days across the UK. 

In 2015, Simon ventured into motocross but was involved in a serious accident, resulting in a titanium shoulder replacement. This injury ended his ability to ride motorbikes or pedal bikes and led to ongoing pain and limited arm mobility. Over the next five years, he underwent four additional surgeries, compounding his frustration with daily challenges. 

During the pandemic, Simon discovered sim racing and purchased his first simulator rig. Later that year, at 47, he experienced a stroke in his cerebellum, which controls muscle coordination and balance. With 70% of the cerebellum damaged, Simon experienced significant physical and mental setbacks, including impaired movement on his left side, difficulty walking unaided, speech challenges, and persistent fatigue. After two weeks in the hospital, he returned home and began therapy. A therapist suggested that his sim racing setup could help improve hand-eye coordination and muscle memory, though he had to be cautious due to fatigue. 

Despite these challenges, Simon became deeply engaged in sim racing, using it as a therapeutic outlet and gradually upgrading his equipment to an advanced level. In 2024, he applied to the Quatermass Para Academy after seeing an advertisement and was thrilled to be selected. Joining the team marked a turning point for Simon, enhancing his mental and physical performance. This opportunity reignited his sense of purpose and achievement, demonstrating his resilience and ability to adapt to life’s challenges as living with a disability doesn’t always hold you back.