Simon Murray

Simon Murray, CBE (born 25 March 1940) is a British businessman, adventurer, author, and former French Foreign Legionnaire. He was the oldest man to reach the South Pole unsupported, at the age of 63.

Early life

Murray was born in Leicester, England into a family with some tradition of military service. His father belonged to a wealthy family. Murray's grandfather on his father's side retained a permanent suite at the Connaught Hotel, while his grandmother retained a similar suite at Claridges Hotel. Murray's father abandoned the family early on and Murray claims to have had no recollection of him at that time. An uncle paid for Murray to attend Bedford School, an independent school in the county town of Bedford in Bedfordshire. In 1960, he joined the French Foreign Legion, and served for five years in the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP). During his service, he fought in the Algerian War against the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN). After rising to the rank of Chief Corporal, he turned down an offer to attend Officers' School in France, and left the Legion in 1965 after completing his service. He wrote of his experiences in the Legion in the book Legionnaire, published in 1978. And later, based on his book he produced the autobiographical movie "Deserter" which only came as a DVD.

Simon Murray (footballer)

Simon Murray (born 22 March 1992) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a striker for Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. After beginning his senior career with Montrose, Murray played for several junior clubs before returning to senior football with Arbroath in 2014. He signed for Dundee United in January 2015, but initially remained with Arbroath on loan.

Early life

Murray was born in Dundee. His father Gary Murray was also a professional footballer, playing for Montrose and Hibernian. After playing for a number of youth teams, including Dundee Celtic Boys Club, Dee Club and Dundee United Social Club, Murray joined Montrose as a youth player.

Playing career

Murray began his professional career with Montrose. He made his only appearance for the first team as a substitute against Queen's Park at Hampden in May 2011. After a spell on loan to Dundee-based junior club Downfield, Murray was released by Montrose and joined another junior club, Tayport, in February 2012.

Simon Murray (author)

Simon Phillip Murray (born in 1980) is an English writer and illustrator of children's books. His work includes illustrating line drawings for the Mokee Joe series (Hodder Children's Book 2004–2007) and Bonebreaker (Hachette, 2005) as well as writing and illustrating the Icky Doo Dah picture book series Atlantis Children's Books, 2011–present. Recently Murray teamed up with Helen Victoria Bishop and illustrated an issue-led picture book entitled Jack which deals with the issues surrounding divorce and separation.

Early life

Murray was born on 11 September 1980 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. His father is the author Peter J. Murray and his mother is Kathryn Murray. He was brought up in Rotherham, and Dubai before finishing his schooling at Cheam School, a preparatory school near Newbury in Berkshire. In 1994 he gained at Art Scholarship to Douai Abbey School, a catholic public school in Berkshire. He then went on to study modern languages spending time working and studying in both France and Italy before graduating in 2004.