Each year, the St. Michaels University School fields at the Richmond Road campus fill with energy as Grade 4 and 5 students arrive for the annual iBellieve Day, a day of games, laughter and connection led by Senior School student leaders. The event honours Simon Ibell ’96, a student remembered for his love of sport and his ability to find joy in the face of a rare disease, MPS II.
This year, that legacy came full circle in an unexpected way. Among those on the field was a 10-year-old boy named Simon Hoskins.
His father, Trevor Hoskins ’94, attended SMUS alongside Simon Ibell. When Trevor and his wife were choosing a name for their son, Simon Ibell’s name ended up being a strong influence.
“We had no idea that our son Simon had the same rare disease until he was two,” Trevor said, noting that their son was diagnosed after Simon Ibell passed in 2017.
Simon Hoskins was diagnosed with MPS Type IVA, a different form of the same rare condition.
Standing on the same field where Simon Ibell once played and is now remembered, the connection felt both unlikely and deeply meaningful.
“Simon Ibell was unlike anyone else,” Trevor said. “For all that he was going through, the pain and the medical interventions, he always had a smile on his face.”
Today, he sees echoes of that same spirit in his son.
“My Simon is incredible. He is curious. He is thoughtful. He loves sports.”
Simon Hoskins was quick to jump in and join Junior School students in the many activities, including tic-tac-toe races and cup stacking competitions.
“I have MPS Type IVA and we’re here to celebrate Simon Ibell,” he said confidently. “I love sports just like him. I like playing wheelchair rugby. I like doing all sorts of stuff.”
Around him, hundreds of younger students rotated through activities led by Grade 11 and 12 leaders, running, laughing and trying new activities together. It’s a scene that reflects exactly what Simon’s spirit did, bringing people together through the simple joy of movement and play. Long-time teacher and a beloved friend of Simon Ibell, Ian Hyde-Lay opened the activities with a short speech about Simon's character and impact. While now retired, Hyde-Lay returns to the campus every year to honour Simon's legacy and the day couldn't have gone more smoothly.
“It’s amazing to see all these kids running around playing,” Trevor said. “It’s exactly what Simon Ibell would have dreamt and hoped for.”
For Simon Hoskins, the day is just as simple and just as powerful.
“I love all of the kids who are playing all the games,” he said. “It’s a fun energy.”
What began as a day to honour one student has grown into something larger, a living reflection of his spirit, carried forward each year by new students, new leaders, and now, another Simon.
Simon Hoskins hopes to continue in his father’s and Simon Ibell’s footsteps as a SMUS student in the coming years.
Simon Ibell ’96 attended SMUS for six years and after graduation lived his life as a healthcare crusader and someone who wanted to have a positive impact on the people around him. Simon was a longtime supporter of SMUS and contributed his talents to athletics at our school when he was a student. When MPS II prevented him from playing further, he contributed as a team manager and supporter of all SMUS athletics. Read more
