A FALKLAND'S War veteran has championed a positive mental attitude in a speech to teenagers in Blackburn.
Former Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston was on board the RFA Sir Galahad when it was destroyed during the campaign in 1982.
Year 11 students at Blackburn Central High School were told they should 'not be bothered' about what other people say or think of them as they are their own 'vehicle for success'.
English teacher Clare Talbot said: "Simon Weston’s visit to Blackburn Central High School was an experience both staff and students won’t forget in a hurry.
"As soon as he arrived he began inspiring everyone he met.
"Throughout lunchtime a small group of Year 11 students had the opportunity to speak with Mr Weston about his own experiences and how he managed to motivate himself to overcome difficulties and rise above obstacles he had encountered.
"Throughout the 30 minutes the BCHS students listened in silence as Mr Weston presented them with aims and objectives that they could apply to their own lives.
"During the afternoon Mr Weston met the whole of Year 11 where he spoke about how he had overcome his difficulties and what he believed they should consider the most important thing in life.
"The students were left full of positivity and have, hopefully taken a lot from Simon Weston’s inspirational and motivational talk.
"The question and answer session could have gone on for hours, it was a fantastic experience for all concerned."
The event was organised by teaching assistant in English Matthew Donaldson as part of the Haslingden Road school's 'English Heroes' topic.
Mr Weston said: "A positive mental attitude is the key and you should not be bothered about what other people say or think about you; you are your own vehicle for success."
Six days before Argentina surrendered in 1982, Mr Weston was on board HMS Sir Galahad at Bluff Cove, south of the capital Port Stanley, ready with other troops to land on the Falklands Islands.
When Argentine jets bombed the vessel, which was loaded with fuel and ammunition, he suffered terrible burns.
His injuries were so appalling his own mother couldn’t recognise him when he arrived home. His face had melted in the searing heat.
As part of the mental healing process he agreed to meet the Argentine pilot, Lieutenant Carlos Cachon, who had turned his deadly fire on Mr Weston and the British forces.
In the 2016 New Year's honours list Mr Weston was awarded a CBE for his charitable work.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here