HOW do you tell the story of a man? Well that depends on what sort of man you’re referring to.

Some stories can be exciting, some full of controversy.

These are usually the stories of the over-hyped celebrities we have constantly battering our brains and TV screens.

Footballers in their mid-20s, who have one good season and write an autobiography. Pop Stars who sell a few million downloads and think they own the world.

Then there are the stories of real men. Men of courage, men of honour, men of valour. True stories that make you weep, recalling incidents no-one should have to see or suffer.

Step forward, Simon Weston CBE. Step proudly onto our stage at The Forum, in Barrow, as you did on Sunday evening, to tell us your story.

Simon Weston, a man who was no more than a boy when he joined the Welsh Guards to serve his country.

An enjoyable but routine 70s upbringing in the Welsh valley town of Nelson saw Weston embark on a military career that was to see him take part in the Falklands War in 1982.

A conflict that led to injuries so life-threatening, he was not expected to survive the horrendous burns he suffered when the Sir Galahad was attacked by Argentine bombs in Port Pleasant.

Almost 50 of Weston’s comrades and friends died in the attack and a month or so later Sir Galahad was towed out to sea and sunk where it remains as an official war grave.

But Weston was not about to be sunk and suffer the safe fate as the ship and his colleagues. His remarkable spirit has ensured he faced up to his injuries at every turn and he has endured hundreds of operations and five years of hospitalisation since that dreadful day.

Weston is no different to many other soldiers in those circumstances. Injuries galore, death apparent everywhere. Bereaved and inconsolable families. He just happened to be the most seriously injured survivor and thanks to an 80s documentary that followed his recovery, he has also become the most well-known.

Shunning celebrity status, Weston emotionally recalls those times.

A tireless charity worker and a man of good grace, Weston told how he met the architect of his injuries, Argentine pilot Carlos Cachon, who he now regards as a friend.

Two professional men at war, doing their duty and a mutual respect continues to this day. These truly are men of honour.

Weston has had his problems with mental health and to be honest, who wouldn’t. But here we are 35 years on and Weston is a proud grandfather who, thanks to his story, is a symbolic national treasure. His life story, a life blighted by injury, is one of recovery and inspiration, suitably honoured by his inclusion in the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Ironically, his portrait was first hung opposite that of Margaret Thatcher.

As heroes go, Weston’s story puts him up there with the finest. Probably everyone in the area will know about or remember Simon Weston. Not everyone will remember Sean Hayward, one of Barrow’s own sons who died during the Falklands War.

Weston is the visible and living reminder of the Sean Hayward’s of the world and the tragedy of war. I salute you Sir and thank you for sharing your story.

Review by TREVOR JONES