Simon Weston, a former soldier with the Welsh Guards who sustained severe burn injuries during the Falklands War, has described Argentina's display of a flag during their World Cup celebrations as "childish and disrespectful."
Weston, 64, was injured on June 8, 1982, when Argentine Skyhawk fighters attacked the RFA Sir Galahad, which was carrying his regiment. The attack resulted in 48 deaths and 97 injuries, including Weston, who suffered burns to 46 percent of his body and head. His recovery involved more than 90 surgeries over many years.
He stated that he found the flag stunt "very unprofessional" and expressed that politics has no place in sports, which he believes should unify people rather than cause division.
Following the attack, Weston faced challenges re-entering the workforce. He was told by a resettlement officer that he was unemployable. The Welsh Guards supported him for three years while he was in hospital undergoing surgery. After leaving the Army, with unemployment rates high, he found few opportunities. He eventually moved to New Zealand to work with young people and later co-founded the charity Weston Spirit in Liverpool, which marked the beginning of his charity and fundraising work.
Weston's financial recovery was gradual. In the early days, he earned nothing and had to manage his spending carefully. His public speaking engagements and subsequent television offers led to more work. A significant financial success was his book, "Walking Tall," published in the mid-1980s, which attracted further opportunities, including work as a head fundraiser for various charities.
He identified getting life insurance as his best financial decision, providing security for his family. Weston currently lives in Cardiff with his wife, Lucy, and they own a five-bedroom detached house. He also owns his mother's former home and his mother-in-law's house, both of which were purchased after they had to move due to security concerns.
Weston's primary financial priority remains managing bills, taxes, and his mortgage.