Pride of St Helens Andy Reid to launch book tonight (From St Helens Star)

Pride of St Helens Andy Reid to launch book tonight

7:00am Friday 1st February 2013 in News

HIS incredible story of resilience and courage has made him a hero in his hometown.

Now the Pride of St Helens, Andy Reid is set to launch his autobiography Standing Tall at a glitzy dinner this Friday night at Langtree Park.

It will be followed by a series of signings at stores in St Helens and other appearances around the country, with the book being stocked in Asda stores around the UK.

The sell out dinner will attract 330 guests, including comedian Jason Manford.

Former soldier Andy, a triple amputee after surviving an IED blast in Afghanistan more than three years ago, got hold of his first copy of the hard back book last week.

He hopes it will help and inspire others around the world who have lost limbs or suffered devastating injuries.

Andy, who is enjoying fatherhood after the birth of his first son William, also believes it offers an insight into how his early life shaped his indomitable character.

It charts his childhood, career in the forces, and his recovery from the explosion in which he lost his lower legs and right arm.

Andy, 36, who lives in Windle, said: “If reading the book helps people to move forward that will be great.

“At times it was very difficult to write as I was going over stuff that was traumatic. I would sit for a few hours and tap my thoughts into my iPad.

“It brought it all back.”

“People will learn how long it takes me to get ready in a morning, little things I can and can’t do. They will be shocked at some of the things you go through.”

His wife Claire, 31, who wrote a chapter in the book, describing the period when Andy lay seriously ill in hospital, said: “There things in the book that even I didn’t know he had been through.

“It was hard to put it down – I was really shocked by some of the things he has been through – and a brilliant read.

“I found writing the chapter really emotional - reliving those moments from years ago makes you wonder ‘how did I cope with that situation?’ ”

Standing Tall is released is published by John Blake at £16.99. It will be stocked nationwide by supermarket chain Asda.

Andy will be signing copies at Asda St Helens on Monday, February 4 between 10am and 4pm and on Saturday, February 9.

He will be in the Saints’ store ahead of the match versus Huddersfield on Saturday, Feb 2, from 1.45pm and for an hour afterwards.

Another signing opportunity is at Tyrers between noon and 2pm on Wednesday, February 6.