Falklands War hero Simon Weston visits Washington care home

Simon – who was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours list – was a special visitor to Washington Manor Care Home.

The 55-year-old took part in a reminiscence day at the home, talking to residents about the severe injuries he suffered in the 1982 conflict and his life since the war.

Simon – who is an ambassador for St Martins Care, the company which owns the home – said: “It is a real joy to visit Washington Manor.

"I have been given expert and wonderful care throughout my life and fully appreciate the importance of people who provide high quality care for others either for age or infirmity.

"I enjoyed working closely with a Military Care Home for over 20 years and my role with St Martins Care gives me the opportunity to be able to contribute to and develop a business dedicated to doing things ‘properly’.

"I have always been about people and this is a perfect fit for me to help people improve their quality of life and hopefully make them smile.”

Kevin Pattison, managing director of St Martins Care, added: "We are honoured to have Simon as our ambassador and were delighted he came up to visit our Washington Manor care home.

"Our residents and their families have been eagerly awaiting his visit.

"“We have long believed our genuine commitment to delivering excellence is what really sets us apart, and to have the endorsement of Simon Weston for our work is truly fantastic.

"Simon knows only too well how important and indeed life-changing outstanding care can be, so it is a real mark of distinction to have him as our ambassador.

"We are very grateful Simon is spending the day with our residents and their families and look forward to welcoming him back to the North East again in the near future."

Aged only 20, Welsh Guardsman Simon suffered 46 per cent burns when the Sir Galahad ship was bombed en route to Bluff Cove in the Falklands. Out of his platoon of 30 men, 22 were killed.

Simon was given only a slim chance of survival and has endured years of reconstructive surgery, including more than 70 major operations.