“I always knew that the Navy would inspire my two young boys, but since I’ve joined Project Selborne, I’ve been there for them in ways I couldn’t before.”
After his type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Simon has found new freedom and personal pride in his work on our partnership project with the Royal Navy, known as Project Selborne.
When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it looked like my career in the Navy might suddenly end. After 22 years as a supply chain logistician, active duty was no longer an option. But joining the education and training organisation in Project Selborne helped me find my love of teaching – and hold onto the deep sense of pride that the Navy has always given me.
Six years after my diagnosis, I’m looking after ten trainers. We turn military service people into teachers, delivering training to over 1,000 trainers.
It was certainly an adjustment to work in a civilian environment. In the military, your confidence and identity are supported by your uniform and rank, but in civilian work, you lose that framework. So, a big part of my role is helping my ex-military people feel valued and showing them that their work on Project Selborne is making a big, real-world impact.
I always knew that the Navy would inspire my two young boys, but since I’ve joined Project Selborne, I’ve been there for them in ways I couldn’t before. I've run four marathons for diabetes charities, 20+ half marathons and a number of 10Ks.
Today, I’m very proud of the way I have managed my life since my diabetes diagnosis, and I’m even prouder to support the Navy through Project Selborne.
Interested in a role where you can make a real difference?
