Pupils inspired by Falklands veteran

FALKLANDS War veteran Simon Weston visited a Wigan secondary school to give pupils an inspiring motivational message.
Falklands war veteran Simon Weston OBE, meets pupils and speaks to the whole school during an assembly, part of a series of inspirational and motivational guest speakers at Cansfield High SchoolFalklands war veteran Simon Weston OBE, meets pupils and speaks to the whole school during an assembly, part of a series of inspirational and motivational guest speakers at Cansfield High School
Falklands war veteran Simon Weston OBE, meets pupils and speaks to the whole school during an assembly, part of a series of inspirational and motivational guest speakers at Cansfield High School

Mr Weston, who suffered terrible burn injuries when his ship was attacked by Argentinian aircraft during the 1982 conflict, made the trip to Cansfield High School in Ashton.

He told the pupils about the importance of being the best they can and his belief that opportunities are out there for those who work hard.

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He also took questions from representatives of each year group, posed for pictures and signed copies of his books.

Mr Weston addressed the full school, with around 1,000 pupils filling the Old Road school’s sports hall to listen raptly to his inspiring message.

Head teacher Mike Southworth said: “We are delighted that someone as well known and well respected as Simon Weston has agreed to come and share with us some of his life stories.

“At Cansfield we have a well-established set of values and principles that focus on encouraging our students to pursue their dreams: to have ambitions and aspirations, to work hard to realise their potential, to never give up and to be the best they can be.

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“Occasionally we are able to bring to the students people who are the embodiment of that which we want for them.

“Simon Weston is one of those people and we were privileged to welcome him to our school.”

Mr Weston is one of a number of high-profile public figures who have been brought to Cansfield to encourage pupils to aim high.

Following his experiences in the Falklands Mr Weston became a well-known TV and radio personality as well as a public speaker.

He has also done extensive charity work, mainly based around helping young people, and was awarded the CBE at the start of this year.

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