Simon CromptonI was born in Manchester and brought up in Oxford. I went to Bristol University where I studied English, and then did a post-graduate journalism course at City University's Department of Journalism. I live in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, with my wife Mirella, and two daughters.

Why am I a journalist?  Because I'm learning every day: about people, what makes them tick, how decisions and policy affect their lives, and how things can be changed so that they live happier, healthier lives. 

Awards

Freelance Journalist of the Year, Medical Journalists' Association Awards 2009-10

Winner Best Cancer Reporter Award, European School of Oncology, 2008

Runner Up, Luminous Cancer Writing Award for illuminating writing on cancer, 2007

Winner, Best Health Information Publication (Body&Soul), Patients Association Awards, 2007

Shortlisted, Norwich Union/Medical Journalists's Association Awards, 2005

Plain English Award, for the BBC/Macmillan Cancer Relief Cancer Guide, 1998

BMA Patient Infromation Award, highly commended for BBC Back Pain Guide, 1999

Best Peasant, The Arthur Awards, Spamalot, Brighton Theatre Royal, 932AD

Official positions

Chair of the Guild of Health Writers, 2006-2007

Committee member and Vice Chair of the Guild of Health Writers 2004-2006

Member of many judging panels, including the Ask About Medicines Awards and the European School of Oncology's Best Cancer Reporter Award

Public appearances

Over the past ten years I have chaired, facilitated, or been a panel member for, a wide range events including:

The Cheltenham Festival

Various party conference fringe meetings

The Institute of Ideas' Battle of Ideas

Seminars run by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations

Conferences run by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association

Events at the Science Museum's DANA centre

Events run by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy