Simon and his uncle were involved in a car crash. Simon's uncle was killed and Simon's legs were crushed and had to be amputated. However Simon's uncle's legs were unmarked so the doctors grafted his uncle's legs onto his stumps, but he had to learn to walk again. To while away the time during rehab, he learnt to play the guitar and sing. He became really good and started performing in pubs as Simon and Halfuncle.