Simon like me was a care leaver, before coming into care he was abandoned by his family. Simon was a young man of colour and was adopted by a white family and Simon grew up confused and conflicted.
This led to the adoption breaking down and him entering care. Like me his life then spiralled out of control and prison became a normal part of life. Simon like many of us care leavers made some bad decisions be we were not bad people. So many people loved Simon and he tried his best to be the person everyone knew he could be.
I knew Simon in my early years and we spent time in the same children's homes, Social Services lodgings and prisons and we always had a shared bond. Our lives then went in different directions until 2021 when I delivered some training at Warren Hill, and there was Simon.
We reconnected and at that time Simon was building a Veterans Memorial and he was helping other men in the jail to develop building skills to help them on release. I was introduced to his son Tyler together we supported him to get a job with a local Portsmouth building company.
In 2023 Simon was diagnosed with cancer, this was his 2nd diagnosis as he had already beaten cancer a few years before. Simon beat it a 2nd time but sadly it returned 4 months ago, Simon was then given the sad news that it was terminal and he was given 6 month diagnosis.
The news was devastating and Simon, the family and the prison were all fighting to get Simon a compassionate release so he could pass peacefully with his family. The Prison also organised two all day visits so he could spend time with his partner, 8 Children and 7 Grandchildren. The men in the prison cooked and prepared food so they could all eat and enjoy a full day together.
Sadly on 14th November Simon was rushed to Hospital were he passed a few hours later. The blessing is that he was in a hospital bed and not a prison cell but sadness as his family were not by his side.
His passing has had a huge impact and HMP Warren Hill are all in mourning as Simon was well thought of by all the staff and he had some really strong relationships with his peers.
We are reaching out to ask for your support in helping Simon’s family cover the costs of his funeral. There is some money put aside to help but it will not pay for a send of that Simon deserves.
Simon entered this life with nothing and no one, he had no idea where he originated from and had no knowledge of who his family were. Today he has a partner, 8 Children and 7 Grandchildren who want to give a send of he deserves and for him to see he was loved and his life mattered.
Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference to Simon’s family and provide them with the support they need to say their final goodbyes.
Your generosity will not only help cover these costs of a funeral Simon deserves but also show Simon’s family that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them.
Thank you for considering this request. Please feel free to share the link with others who may wish to support.