Simon has experienced a full and varied career spanning sixteen years as a Combat Medical Technician in the British Army. In October 2009 his career took a different direction. Whilst serving on the front line in Afghanistan with 1 Battalion The Coldstream Guards, he sustained life changing injuries. He is now a double amputee who has decided not to be defined by his injuries.
His active service included two tours of Bosnia, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. Sgt Harmer has enjoyed several different postings which included working with a Territorial Army Field Hospital in Cardiff and as a Permanent Staff Instructor to training recruits, both as a Section Commander and a Troop Sergeant, at Army Training Regiment Winchester. The Army has taken him all over the world from the open plains of Alberta, Canada to the polar circle in Kiruna, Sweden.
After being injured Simon spent five weeks in Selly Oak having many operations on his right arm and what remained of his legs. He ended up with a left above knee amputation, a right below knee amputation and intervention to save the use of his right arm. After discharge from Selly Oak he started rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey. Incredibly he was walking on prosthetic legs less than two months after being injured.
Since being injured he has taken part in a number of challenges; adaptive skiing five months after being injured, riding across northern France on a hand bike to raise money for charity and more recently completing the Race Across America as part of an eight man team. Simon is to be medically discharged from the Army and is looking forward to a bright future in civilian life.
The bravery to apply his profession in the harshest of environments is testament to his selfless dedication to both the armed forces and medicine. Simon has not allowed his injuries to diminish his unwavering strength of character as he embarks on a life that, although he did not choose, he will embrace. This ability to overcome life-changing adversity is something that, albeit on a far lesser scale, resonates with all who hear him speak. Simon truly is an incredibly inspiring speaker.
Motivation & Inspiration
Life in the Medical Corp
Overcoming Adversity
Coping with change
Teamwork
"Throughout my own Military Career and particularly in the last five years with Help for Heroes, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting and serving with Heroes, the ordinary men and women of our Armed Forces. Simon Harmer stands amongst a very small group of individuals whose courage, leadership and inspiration has continued beyond the Battlefield. When Simon talks, people listen. They listen not because they have too, they listen because they want too, because they can learn, because they are inspired by his story….despite losing both his legs Simon Harmer is a Giant amongst men.
He is a Soldier, a leader, an Athlete, a Friend, a Son, a Husband and a Dad but perhaps above all Sergeant Simon Harmer…..is a Hero"
Mark Elliott, Head of External Operations, Help for HeroesI have known Simon for the past 3 years and have used his services as an after dinner speaker on many occasions. I find Simon's personal experiences that reflect within his very educational and knowledgeable talks are appreciated by all types of audiences. His delivery is professional and humbling and for my purposes create exactly the atmosphere I require for fund raising purposes. His delivery is also well received at non-fundraising events and I find from personal experience, that everyone wants to listen to him more! I would have no hesitation recommending him for future engagements.
Sue Sanders, Help for Heroes BirminghamThanks for your recommendation to have Derek come along. Everyone was really impressed with him and he was truly inspiring. I have had great feedback from people who attended, and I think this is an avenue we will be pursuing again.
Sue Franks, Peter SymondsI have known Sgt Simon Harmer well for over four years. He has always been a very natural soldier and leader of men; however I believe I only really got to know the inner man when he was so grievously wounded on operations.
I well remember the day I went to visit him in the old S4 ward at Selly Oak Hospital. The sight of many badly injured young men had a profoundly dampening effect on me to the extent that I really struggled to speak to Simon and his new wife when I got to his bedside. Typically he spotted the problem and immediately started trying to 'cheer me up'. (Not quite the right paradigm!)
Despite the severity of his injuries Simon has continued to exude a positive energy and a commitment to creating a viable future for his growing family. He has organised his professional and domestic affairs in a highly successful manner.
As a speaker Simon is forthright, full of insight, humorous when appropriate but mostly just charismatic. I would dearly have loved to keep him in the Army such is my regard for his ability but he has decided to pursue a career outside. Such is the calibre of the man I have no doubt he will be as brilliant outside as he was a soldier.
Major General Jeremy RowanSimon spoke at our staff awayday. He gave a really inspiring talk which both touched and entertained everyone in the room. His positive attitude in the worst of times really came across, and he is clearly a talented and genuine person. Many people left the room talking about having a renewed sense of perspective - Simon's story gave us all something to think about. The way he's dealt with the dark times, strived to overcome challenges and is so grateful to everyone who's helped him along the way is just fantastic. Thank you to Simon for coming along.
Sarah Milsom, Head of Communications and Campaigns, Relate
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