At Jurong Lake Gardens in Singapore, 61-year-old expatriate Simon Trevor Wood has become a local icon. Known to residents simply as "Superman," Wood runs in full costume to raise funds for the Singapore Cancer Society. His unique approach to philanthropy recently garnered over 600,000 views on social media during preparations for the Relay For Life 2026.
Wood’s resilience stems from a difficult childhood in London. Bullied severely and later wheelchair-bound after a traffic accident at age 13, he utilized physiotherapy and martial arts to rebuild his strength. This discipline propelled him into a multifaceted career spanning 23 countries. He worked as a store manager for Tesco, modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood, and appeared in Bonnie Tyler’s billion-view music video for "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Relocating to Singapore in 2016, Wood now serves as director of operations for a marine leisure firm. Despite the tropical heat, he maintains a rigorous training schedule, clocking up to 135km weekly. He frequently tackles nature trails at Bukit Timah and Mount Faber with a 25kg weighted pack. Wood utilizes these long runs to mentally organize his professional objectives, treating the physical exertion as strategic planning time.
The Superman persona began in 2022 after locals noted his resemblance to Clark Kent. Wood views the outfit not as a costume, but as a psychological tool that empowers him to endure physical challenges while uplifting the community. His advocacy is deeply personal; having lost both parents and relatives to cancer, he channels his grief into endurance racing.
Beyond athletics, Wood aims to visit 100 countries and is currently authoring two books. His mission remains consistent: leverage personal discipline to inspire societal contribution. For this London native, the cape represents an unyielding commitment to turning past adversity into present-day impact.