Antiques Roadshow made its way to Alexandra Gardens in the heart of Cardiff for the latest episode, which was broadcasted on Sunday, January 12.
This instalment of the series is a rerun of an episode that first aired on January 14, 2024, featuring Fiona Bruce’s poignant encounter with Falklands War veteran Simon Weston at a memorial dedicated to those who perished in the conflict.
The Welsh Guardsman disclosed that most of the names etched on the memorial were his comrades from his platoon.
He then showed Fiona two campaign medals he was awarded during his service, the Northern Ireland and South Atlantic medals.
“They are there because I lost people, I lost friends,” he confessed. “So, they’re reminders of sadness, really.”
Antiques Roadshow’s Fiona Bruce’s cheeky warning to veteran after tribute (Image: BBC)
At the tender age of 20, Simon sustained severe injuries from an attack, suffering extensive burns across half his body and losing over half his body weight in the following weeks.
“I was blind for a week,” he recalled. “The medical staff were incredible but the people I remember were the civilians, the cleaners. They were really funny, and I’ve never met any of those people”, reports .
“What, since?” Fiona queried, to which Simon confirmed: “No, no. And it would be pleasant if I ever did again.”
Fiona then turned to the camera and urged viewers: “Well, come on! You’re on the Antiques Roadshow.”
“So, if any of you are watching, we’d love to hear from you and reunite you with Simon, absolutely.”
Fiona shared a laugh with Falklands War veteran Simon Weston (Image: BBC)
“We’re all antiques, aren’t we?” Simon jested. “In that regard. Crikey.”
Fiona jokingly bristled at his playful remark, shooting back: “Oi! Speak for yourself!” She then let a grin show, and Simon relented: “Present company excluded!”
She went on to highlight that Simon has devoted himself to altruistic efforts for individuals with burns and scars following his time in the military.
“I work with young people who have had problems in their lives,” he detailed. “We’ve been working hard to develop treatments so that people who have scarring, it doesn’t become as obvious.”
Simon, who has been honoured with both an OBE and a CBE for his philanthropic endeavours, confessed it came as “a big surprise, to be honest.”
Simon has been awarded the Northern Ireland and South Atlantic medals (Image: BBC)
“Hugely flattering. None of those medals, whether they be the campaign or civilian honours, none of them have been achieved on my own.
“Everything I’ve done, I’ve done with other people and with the support of other people.”
Fiona lauded Simon’s humility before expressing her gratitude for his appearance on the show. In other parts of the episode, they discovered Welsh relics, including WWI-era photos from Cardiff Docks arrivals and an autograph book signed by Tom Jones.
Antiques Roadshow airs on One and is available on iPlayer.