Simon Thomas to attend Being Well Festival

Television presenter Simon Thomas, who tragically lost his wife to cancer just three days after she was 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 Ricoh Arena 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 Thomas’ 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 24 October 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.”

Although the event is free to attend, visitors will need to book tickets.