Qualified B.D.S. in 1983 at Newcastle. After one year as a House Officer at the Newcastle Dental Hospital he worked as an Associate in a practice in Newcastle for 3 1/2 years. In 1987 Simon went to Ethiopia where for 9 years he worked with a Christian Missionary organisation in Addis Ababa, providing dental care for missionaries, Ethiopian staff and church workers. Since returning to the UK in 1996 he has worked as a Civilian Dental Practitioner for the MOD at Catterick Garrison before coming to Malpas House in April 2005. Simon is married to Grace and they have three children David (1988), Jonathan (1988) and Alison (1991). Since 2002 Simon has been licensed as a Reader in the Church of England and enjoys leading church services, playing the guitar and preaching. His other interests include cycling, reading and DIY.