Simon Blair, founder of the successful London-based property company SHB, is a business owner, husband, and father of three. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Simon has turned his diagnosis into a source of strength, using ultra-endurance sport as a tool for personal growth and mental clarity.
His new documentary, Beyond Limits: Into the ADHD Mind – Rising Above Failure, now streaming on leading streaming platforms, chronicles his participation in the Marathon des Sables — one of the toughest races on Earth — while sharing his lived experience with ADHD and working to break down stigmas around mental health.
Through the film and his ultra running, Simon aims to further the conversation around ADHD, particularly around the need for a diagnosis so that people, especially children, can be given the tools necessary to ensure they can live successfully with ADHD. Late diagnosis is very common, particularly in women and girls and this remains a challenge that needs to be addressed.
The film highlights several key statistics, showing the need for improvements within ADHD diagnosis:
- You are 5 times more likely to attempt suicide if you have ADHD
- The average waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is 6 months to 2 years
- 708,000 children are diagnosed with ADHD in the UK, with many more remaining undiagnosed and unsupported.
Widely praised on the UK film awards circuit, Beyond Limits offers a deeply personal view into Simon’s world, where the challenges of running a business, supporting a family, and managing a neurodivergent mind intersect.
The film explores how ultra-marathon training became more than just a physical test — it became a strategy for managing focus, emotional regulation, and resilience.
This documentary moves beyond traditional portrayals of ADHD, highlighting both the struggles and the untapped potential of those diagnosed later in life. It follows Simon as he reflects on past academic setbacks, internal battles, and public expectations, and how he found purpose through pushing his physical and mental boundaries.
Through honest storytelling and dynamic visual footage, Beyond Limits captures the complexity of living with ADHD as a leader, father, and husband. It delivers a compelling message about transforming adversity into determination and learning to navigate life with authenticity and strength.
Simon Blair comments: “I believe it is important that we open up the conversation around ADHD, particularly for young people, and I hope to do this through the film. If they can see role models and real examples of others living well with ADHD, they’ll know it’s possible to build a successful life. Awareness is the first step — once people understand their minds better, they can access the tools and support they need to thrive.”
The film was produced in collaboration with a cast of Simon’s closest family, friends and expert psychologists in the field of ADHD.
Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK comments: “ADHD UK is proud to be involved in this film to further open dialogue about the complexities of ADHD through the personal experience of one individual. There are many ways ADHD presents itself, and each will adapt differently to its strengths and challenges. We hope this film can encourage positive conversations and education to support more individual journeys.”
