Samuel Payne's message

This gold, Balmain silk bow tie is something very special to me. It used to belong to actor and producer Simon MacCorkindale, who I have long admired for his talents and values. Let me tell you about him.Simon had a distinguished career in theatre and film, often playing dashing gentlemen and stoic heroic types throughout the 1970s.  He had a resonant voice for stage, and a smooth face for Hollywood. By the early 1980s, he had crossed the Atlantic to head up a number of big budget American series - such as Manimal and Falcon's Crest – whilst guest  starring in dozens of shows and films.  At one point, Simon was lined up as the next James Bond. He'd have been the perfect 007 between Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton. We can only imagine..Most recently in the UK, he became best known to younger audiences as dashing consultant Harry Harper in BBC drama serial Casualty. It was about this time that Simon was diagnosed with colon cancer. Today, around 268,000 people living in the UK have, at one time, been diagnosed with this disease.  Simon overcame the initial diagnosis, but a few years later passed away due to a recurrence in his lungs. He was 58 years old.It was testament to Simon's strength and acting ability that so few would know of the secret battle he shared with his wife Susan George.

10 years on: Susan now runs Lasting Life, a charity that celebrates Simon's memory whilst providing support to those who are facing similar challenges in life.  Part of their fundraising is a boutique of beautiful, hand-donated items which range from ties, to jackets, to scarves and rare theatre programmes. Stars of stage and screen have gifted personal treasures which you can re home, as I did, to enjoy a second life whilst also donating to this special cause.  Now I wear my gold bow tie with a smile. "It used to belong to Simon MacCorkindale. Let me tell you about him..."