Born into a middle class Liverpool family, his father is still a respected doctor in the city whilst his mother devotes herself to various charities and good works. Simon and his sister both followed in the family tradition, becoming doctors. She works in the same practice as her father, though Simon became more interested in medical science than being a practitioner, and  even that came after trying several other professions, most notably the printing industry.

With his father's influence, Simon was able to attend the medical schoool at the University of Liverpool, and after qualifying, continued study in London. It was there that he met Jackson Elias and some associates as patients, their case of poisoning spurring his interest in the effects of toxins upon the human body. This interest continued during the Great War, during which Simon specialized in the treatment of the various poison gasses deployed by the Germans. After the war, he continued researching this field of study, obtaining a research fellowship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York.

Although he welcomed the professional opportunity to continue his research in New York, he finds America's laws on alcohol restrictive. In his spare time, he enjoys going out and dancing, having become a regular at various nightclubs and speakeasies. Not only can he hold his drink, but is light on his feet, and thus never short a partner.

As a young boy, he took great pleasure in reading the Sherlock Holmes stories. His scientific methods spurred Simon's interest in the sciences, particularly chemistry, which his father encouraged with the gift of a chemistry set. Simon was also fascinated by the fighting skills displayed by Holmes and resolved to learn bartitsu. A family holiday in London provided him the opportunity to meet its creator, Edward William Barton Wright at his Bartitsu School of Arms and Physical Culture. He spent his pocket money on lessons and pamphlets that enabled him to continue some practice at home. Although the skills have waned since, he still sought to learn more of this, and occasionally practiced it.

Jackson Elias had been a patient of his ago many years back, and Simon found the man's travels and tales fascinating, since having read all of his books and continuing a friendship with him through regular correspondence.