18:18
Hi everyone, my name is Shannon and last night I was thinking about today's open house and I was inspired to write a speech for you all. I wanted to share my journey with Wildlife Aid and with Simon. So this speech is called "We Miss You, Simon." Every July, the tears flow the same way. I sit the night before the hands clasped around my knees. The same moments replay in my head. Memories of the open day in 2023. When I met Simon, I said, "Hi, Simon. Could you give me an autograph ? You are my hero. I've been watching Wildlife Aid since I was 10 years old. "It means a lot to me that I finally met you." He replied: " Very nice to meet you, young lady." What is your name?
I said, "Shannon." In his iconic leather cowboy hat, silver oval glasses and navy Wildlife Aid sweater. He extended a firm but friendly hand. When I shook her hand, I felt the wrinkles of time on those rough palms. Tempered by years of working with both the gentlest and most ferocious animals in Britain. These hands gave life, bringing souls into the world and comforting those who were leaving. These hands guided the next generation. Millions of young people eagerly watched on screens during the charity's most famous moments on television and the tragedies behind the scenes. The difficulties that both wild animals and their rescuers face every day.
He put his hand on my shoulder, pulling me closer as I stood next to him, smiling at the camera. My hero, my idol. This photo was framed and became my pride and joy. I said goodbye to him, with a tinge of sadness in my heart, as he walked into the depths of his garden. That was the first and last time I met Simon. The following year, in the months leading up to the 2024 open house, I followed the news about Simon's treatment. I prayed and hoped that perhaps he would recover to see another celebration of his life's work. When the news came, he felt worse. Tears were flowing before I could find the words to speak. My mother's words of comfort did little to calm me down. It was something an outsider couldn't understand. For her, I
only met Simon once. This was not true. I met Simon on YouTube when I was 10 years old. My childish self knew its name and spread it, encouraging me to love all wildlife. At the age of 10, I convinced my school to call Wildlife Aid to help an injured pigeon, although my efforts were in vain because we lived outside the rescue zone. At the age of 13, I was raising funds for Wildlife Aid. At 15, I was on the environmental committee and my school raised a thousand pounds and gave an educational presentation about this charity. At 16, I picked up litter wearing a Wildlife Aid T-shirt, dreaming of the day I could meet Simon. I watched their YouTube channel day after day. That day, when I couldn't stop crying, I wrote a letter. I put my
heart on paper. I spoke about the legacy he would leave behind and swore on my life that his work would continue into the next generation. He died 5 days later. I will never know if that letter reached Simon. I often imagine it lying open on his bedside table. It pains me every year to think: why did n't I write to him sooner or why didn't I say more the day I met him? Or will he ever be able to fully understand how much he has changed my life? These questions will never be answered. But my promise will be fulfilled. At 18, for my A-level qualifications, I decided to dedicate my work to Wildlife Aid. I spent 6 months researching and writing a 10- page story to honor the work of the charity through a
dystopian piece warning of the future that will come if we don't change our ways. I presented my work to an audience, talking about the risks to our wildlife, and received an "A with an asterisk", which was undoubtedly due to my passion for Wildlife Aid, which motivated me to give my all to the project. At 19 years old, I am writing this on July 18, 2026. As the tears dry on my cheeks, tonight is not a time for mourning, but for action. Simon lived a life filled with joy and passion, and I aspire to do the same, which is why I have vowed to write a novel honoring Simon's legacy by the end of 2027. It will be published along with my story, and a portion of the proceeds from all sales will be
donated to the foundation. July 18th-the last time The grass we stand on. He founded this charity on it. From the barn to the hospital, from home to community across Britain. Let us pledge that Simon's legacy will live on as we fulfill his last wish to create a new hospital complex, giving our all to this wonderful charity. Thank you and have a wonderful day. He wore his signature cowboy hat and oval silver glasses. Do you mean the one that's yours now?
