There are many great things I could say about Simon as both a person and a surgeon; whether that be helping colleagues through rough times, inventing solutions to impossible problems or simply giving some sage advice over a coffee.  My favourite memory, well certainly the one that always makes me smile, is one that demonstrates Simon’s love for education and training, his willingness to give people a chance and his ability to see the best in a less than ideal situation.
 
Simon was instrumental in me getting my consultant job at The Royal when I was working with him as a post CCT registrar.  It was his efforts that persuaded the then clinical director that The Royal needed a second hand surgeon to help develop the distal bit of the upper limb unit.  If it wasn’t for his efforts and enthusiasm there simply wouldn’t have been a job for me to apply for.
 
It’s a wonder he ever made the effort seeing I wasn’t hugely impressive when I first joined the unit.  My first task was to help out at a lab that Simon used to run over in Lille, and having arrived the day before, with the rest of the team; my enthusiasm might have got the better of me, and by the time I went to bed I think I had told the whole team, probably in a slightly slurry voice, how much I loved them.  The following day, with possibly the world’s worst hangover, I was late for the lab and presumably looked so rough that Simon changed my task for the day.  Instead of helping out in a scientific lab I was sent out with €100, with Jo Gibson to stop me getting lost, with the strict instructions – ‘buy me a really nice selection of cheese’ – I must have a great taste in cheese as here we are 19 years later.
 
I am sure the way that he treated me has allowed me to develop as a leader and a trainer.  I am sure he has influenced me to see the best in all my trainees, in all situations.  I have to say I have not yet, however, needed to send any of them out for cheese!!!
 
Simon has been the most supportive and encouraging colleague and mentor through the whole of my career.  I will miss him tremendously.