Simon, 46, who teaches troubled youngsters in Plymouth, has been diagnosed with a severe form of Motor Neurone Disease and could die from the muscle wasting condition in anything from six months to three years. Before he starts to feel the effects of the disease he and his wife have taken steps to ensure his final days are memorable and form part of a massive fundraising drive to raise £1 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Simon met legendary England fly-half Johnny Wilkinson to promote the charity. The £1 million target is in a list of 18 once-in-a-lifetime activities he hopes to complete. His other wishes include spending a night in Paris, visiting Venice, teaching his friends' sons to fish, swimming with sharks, driving north on California's Highway one and skiing off-piste.

Simon said: "Everyone has kindly asked what they can do to help. The answer is, help raise money that will go to research and try and raise awareness of this disease".

Donations can be made online. Visit www.justgiving.com/fatherabraham