HERO Simon Weston who suffered terrible burn injuries when his ship was hit by missiles in the Falklands war, came to Bolton yesterday to offer a beacon of hope to 130 nurses.

Mr Weston, who suffered burns to a large part of his body, gave nurses a speech full of hope "to never give up".

He told the nurses, most of whom were district nurses working in nursing homes in the area, how he had battled against his terrible, disfiguring injuries.

The event, organised by medical group Convatec, was aimed at providing inspiration to health care workers.

Mr Weston, whose amazing fight back has been featured in several TV documentaries, visited the Reebok Stadium's Lion of Vienna Suit and spoke for more than an hour, answering countless questions.

The nurses had paid £5 per person and the money raised went to the charity chosen by one of the nurses whose name was picked out of a hat.

Organiser Paul Matthews said: "This is more of a motivational thing rather than giving information.

"Simon talked about his war experiences and the treatment he received.

"His message was not to let things get you down."

The nurses, many of whom face harrowing situation in their day-to-day working life, went away having taken his message to heart.

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