Simon Sansome was a newly married, larger than life local council worker and avid rugby player, dedicated to helping his community until the life that he knew was ripped away. After a routine visit to his chiropractor, Simon’s legs gave way on his walk back to his car… This would be the last time he would ever walk again.
Newlywed Simon awoke the next day paralysed and was rushed to hospital. The clock was ticking. His doctor reviewed his injury and decided on a treatment plan, unknowingly causing irreversible damage, leaving Simon severely paralysed.
The last time Simon ever made love to his new wife Kate they had conceived a child. While Simon was in hospital the couple lost their baby, along with any chance of ever conceiving again.
Being told he may never sit up and losing the family they so wanted, Simon told Kate she should leave, but Kate never once gave up. With pure love and strength, through months of hospitalisation Kate kept her job, their home and everything they had built together. Little by little Simon regained the ability to sit, he knew if he could sit he could work, so he kept his campaigning for the local area alive. Never giving up on helping others.
Simon was finally released from hospital for care at home, but the struggles were far from over. He lost his job and the impact on their income meant they were facing losing their home. He was paralysed and facing the worst. Until he fought back.
This is the story of Simon Sansome and his wife Kate, how their life was ripped apart by medical negligence, and how Simon used his own experiences to help, support and advise thousands of disabled people around the UK. His charities are now at the forefront of helping the disabled community and the couple have together, built a wonderful life, albeit different to how they could ever have imagined.
This is a story of hope, of rising against the odds, and more than this, it is a love story that proves despite loss and tragedy, love can overcome.
Charlotte Fantelli, Director says;
Disability is a topic close to my heart as I am the carer for my mother. I know the reality can be very harsh and saddening, but equally stories like Simon’s convey the most powerful side of the human spirit. Our goal is to really show the viewer the full reality of becoming and being disabled, not in a ‘Hollywood’ way, but in a real way, showing the strength and determination it takes to overcome daily battles.
Not only this, but the unavoidable changes made to the lives of those that love them most, who may spend the rest of their life being a carer.
We use a combination of personal stories and reconstructions with the wonderful SJ Honeywell and Olly Bassi, to really convey the emotion of the moments we are discussing.
We aim to show the audience the gritty and poignant reality that becoming disabled truly means. Our goal is to shed light on the disabled world and not only tell Simon’s story but also reveal the physical and emotional difficulties that disabled people face all over the world. And thus showing how incredible, powerful and strong the human spirit really can be.
Director bio:
Charlotte Fantelli is an award winning entrepreneur and film Producer, Director and Writer. Charlotte is the owner of Branded Studios and is known for her work on ‘Journey to Le Mans’, ‘Gentleman Driver’, ‘Becoming Rocky’, and ‘Stallone, Frank That Is’. Her next film ‘Sons of Speed; Hunt Vs Lauda’ is due for release March 2022.
Photos : Kitty Noofah