The Parkbenchers
A Friendship Forged in Music
The Parkbenchers were Simon Wilson and Simon “Sid” Cawley, who first met as colleagues on the old psychiatric unit in the early 1990s. Their shared love of music soon became the foundation of a friendship that lasted over 33 years, creating songs that reflected both heart and humanity.
Simon was an exceptional nurse and leader, respected and valued by friends and colleagues alike. His commitment, professionalism and compassion was acknowledged by all who knew him. His values were around peer support, carer support and recovery-based practice and he championed those values at every opportunity. He was very kind, unassuming, and reflective. He would use music to come alongside people in difficult times – he’d often visit service users with his guitar.
Simon had worked at Combined for 39 years – a testament to his values and what he stood for as a person.
About the track “Just Living” - a song from the heart
“Just Living” was written by Simon Wilson and recorded posthumously in November 2023. Simon passed away in 2023, while still working at Combined, but his legacy and values live on within the service users and staff he supported to develop.
This recording stands as a heartfelt tribute to Simon’s life and legacy – a man who gave his heart and soul to improving patient care, and who earned the respect and affection of everyone who worked alongside him.
Special Thanks
Our gratitude goes to Mikey Walsh and Danny Shaw for their generous support with keyboard, bass, percussion, and production – helping bring this song to life in Simon’s memory.
