A Newmarket businessman has been reflecting on a dramatic few weeks following his participation in a sporting event with a difference to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

As he approached 60 earlier this year, financial adviser Simon Gibson, who lives in Burwell had, with his wife Cath, planned a number of firsts, including taking part in the World Stone Skimming Championship for which he finished 19th.

That was early last month and, since then, he has suffered a minor brain haemorrhage, with his first trip in an air ambulance.

‘I always wanted to be really good at something,” said Simon. “I enjoyed hockey captaining Newmarket to various successes, I love cricket and am still playing at Chippenham and had modest success in business. The chance to even take part in a world championship always seemed unlikely.

“Then I turned up on the Scottish Island of Easdale in early September, with over 400 other competitors and more than 1000 spectators, the island is usually home to just 60 people, and competed in the spectacle that is competitive stone skimming.

“I hoped to finish higher but conditions were tougher than usual and I think nerves kicked in too. I got fantastic support, gained a local cheer squad and it really was inspiring on many levels.”

However, just a few days later, as Simon and his wife took some time to tour Scotland he found himself at the centre of a medical emergency.

“I had a thunderclap headache and found I had suffered a minor brain haemorrhage,” said Simon, who spent five days in hospital but has since made a full recovery.

Now, in his words, delighted to be hurtling towards 61, Simon is still raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, a cause as he has championed for more than 16 years in honour of his father, former Newmarket estate agent, Alan, who died in December 2020.

To date he has raised more than £3,000 and had hoped to raise more.

Simon added: “Even seeing the total is a bonus after all that has happened.

“I really believe it is up to us to keep achieving life firsts, so getting the chance to continue when others are not so lucky, well, I shall grab it with both hands.

“Cath and I already have our places confirmed for the World Conker Championship in 2027.”

Donations to support Alzheimer’s Research UK can still be made to Simon’s fund-raising efforts via just giving.com/page/simon-gibson-63at60 .