Simon Richard Wilson 1981-2006 was an adventurous man with great dreams. Never one to stick to convention, Simon chose to learn Russian instead of an easier alternative, he built his own barbecue instead of buying one and he bought an ex-military Land Rover instead of, well, not buying an ex-military Land Rover.

It was this last example that formed the basis of Simon’s big plan. Keeping her a secret from his family, he planned to fix Big Car up and surprise them all with his accomplishment. He dreamed of driving Big Car across Russia with only a dog for company. Many a pub discussion was had in which Simon would speak of water tanks, retractable beds, second batteries and cookers.

Despite Simon’s enormous ambitions, he remained a very unhappy man. Something permanently troubled him. It was a nagging from which he could never escape. Earlier counsel for depression had helped reduce Simon’s pain, but it merely pushed the problems away from the front of his mind. Eventually it all became too much. On the 29th of September, 2006, Simon took his own life.

He will be dearly missed by all those that loved him: Mel, his family, and his friends. A testament to the type of guy Simon was, is the number of people that attended his funeral. Many questions continue to be asked: why did he do it? Why did he not ask for help? Sadly, these are questions with no answers. All we can do is look to the future, and Simon’s substantial legacy: Big Car.

Sadly, Simon’s dream of driving Big Car across Russia will never be realised, but it is our determined plan to do it in his honour. Si: this is all for you buddy.