We look forward to welcoming Simon John as our speaker to tell us about Anti Slavery International.  He will be between Bristol and Liverpool on a cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats, Freedom Ride, to raise awareness of Modern Slavery and will speak virtually from his campervan!

Simon says of himself:

“I am a retired solicitor; qualified in 1969 and specialised in claims on the part of catastrophically injured people including too many children with cerebral palsy.

From a small town in Norfolk, I developed a team with an international practice working for people across the UK Europe and in the USA.

I’ve been a supporter of Anti-slavery International for many years. I first rode for them in 2018, completing the London - Surrey 100. I spoke at the Anti-slavery International Supporter conference in November 2020.

I am an almost lifelong member of Amnesty International and I’ve been secretary and chair of my local Amnesty Group, and involved in a number of cases where prisoners of conscience were released early following the application of the power of the pen. This led me to a deeper awareness and interest in modern Slavery and two years ago I was invited to become the secretary of the global Rotary Action Group against Slavery a post that I have have held since July 2019.

I am a Christian, with lots of children and grandchildren.”