Television presenter Simon Thomas who tragically lost his wife to cancer just three days after being diagnosed will appear at a major health and wellbeing event in the Midlands.
The former Sky Sports and Blue Peter presenter will be among an inspirational line-up of speakers at the inaugural Being Well Festival which takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this autumn.
The announcement comes as Simon’s moving memoirs, ‘Love Interrupted: Navigating Grief One Day At A Time’, are published in which he shares the grief he and his nine-year-old son Ethan suffered after Gemma’s death.
Gemma died in November 2017 aged just 40, after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
The free-to-attend Being Well Festival on Thursday, October 24 is a new event to promote happier, healthier lives by educating people about their health and wellness, and supports a breast cancer charity.
Visitors will have the chance to shop at a ‘wellbeing marketplace’, take part in activities and taster sessions, receive one-to-one advice on health and wellbeing, and hear from special guest speakers.
There will also be a special ticketed lunch, celebrating some very inspirational people and featuring star guest chef Jane Devonshire, MasterChef 2016 winner, who has had her own battle with breast cancer.
Simon said: “I am looking forward to being part of the first Being Well Festival which aims to help people achieve better health and wellbeing.
“I have spoken openly about dealing with grief and coping with the death of my wife Gemma, as I hope that by sharing my experiences it may help others.”
The festival coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Haven, which operates from seven locations including Solihull, will benefit from funds raised throughout the day.
Mary Rhodes, BBC Presenter and chair of the Breast Cancer Haven development board, will be the main host of the event.
She said: “We are delighted to announce that Simon Thomas will be taking part in the Being Well Festival, joining our line-up of inspirational speakers and supporters.
“The Being Well Festival will be a great opportunity for people to learn how to make positive changes to their lives to improve their health and wellbeing.
The event coincides with Coventry and Warwickshire Year of Wellbeing 2019 which is focused on inspiring and empowering people to change lives, by improving their wellbeing or the wellbeing of people around them.
A huge variety of events throughout the Year have helped to link organisations and individuals who want to improve the quality of life for people across the area.
Action has focused on getting primary school children active, boosting community connections, particularly for older people, and encouraging employers to improve wellbeing in the workplace.
Coventry is also the European City of Sport 2019 which involves promoting and celebrating, in every community, the benefits of sport and physical activity, and to be the catalyst for a fitter, healthier city in the future
Organisers want to use the year to break down divisions between sport, activity and culture and focus on enriching the lives of individuals and communities in the city, and to see innovative and new ways to get people moving and active in Coventry.
Although the Being Well Festival is free to attend, visitors will need to book tickets in advance by going to www.beingwellfestival2019.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information, visit www.beingwellfestival.co.uk