Hero Falklands veteran Simon Weston is hoping to achieve a lifelong ambition to ride a motorcycle.

Simon is well known for his charity work and his brave battle to recover from severe burn injuries sustained during the conflict.

After hearing about his motorbike dream, former World Sidecar Land Speed Record holder and industry expert Norman Hyde decided to get involved.

Norman told Mirror Motorcycling: “I learnt of Simon’s passion to ride a motorcycle when we met, and that is where the idea started.

“With the help, kindness and support from fellow motorcycle riders, veterans and friends within the industry, I believe we can make his dream come true.”

Simon Weston on the Bonneville with Norman Hyde (
Image:
Tony Smith)

Simon sustained serious injuries on RFA Sir Galahad in 1982 making it impossible to operate the controls on a traditional motorbike set-up.

Norman, who worked as a development engineer for Triumph in the 60s and 70s, opted for the idea of a modified trike.

Simon said: ”I have always wanted to own a motorcycle.

“My injuries prevent me from operating hand controls on a normal motorcycle, so I could never ride one.

“This opportunity makes me keener than ever to taste the sense of freedom that riding a trike will give me".

The campaign has already received support from Triumph Motorcycles, which has donated a new Bonneville T120 to be the base for the bespoke trike build.

Hank of Trike Design, Norman, Simon, Charlie Bevan and Paul of Trike Design (
Image:
Tony Smith)

The bike was collected by Simon from Bevan Triumph, in Cardiff.

Trike Design, located in Simon’s home town of Caerphilly will be taking on the custom build.

Converting a standard motorcycle to a trike, specially adapted for Simon’s needs, is a methodical and costly operation.

Norman has already received offers of support from fellow-motorcyclists impressed by Simon’s determination and charity work, however more funds are required to complete the build.

The total project cost is estimated at around £25,000.

If you would like to find out more and support the campaign, please visit the JustGiving page.

Norman will be updating the page throughout the project, with regular reports on the progress of the build.

MotorcycleDirect.co.uk