Andy's bikers warm up for Numbumrun (From St Helens Star)

Andy's bikers warm up for Numbumrun

9:50am Tuesday 27th July 2010 in News By St Helens Star newsdesk

HEROIC Andy Reid led a convoy of more than 100 bikers on the final training run ahead of next month’s Lands End to John O’Groats epic mission.

From the saddle of his specially converted boom trike the triple amputee soldier headed a procession that snaked from Millennium Motorcycles through Thatto Heath, St Helens and Widnes.

A police escort cleared roads before the bike gang headed over the Runcorn Bridge and on to the Raven bikers’ café in Whitchurch, Cheshire.

Andy, a keen motorcyclist, will be among a squad heading on the 940-mile journey across the UK over five days in August.

Hundreds of bikers are expected to join them for various legs of the ride.

Already more than £9,000 has been pledged to the challenge, called the Numbumrun, which is raising money for Help for Heroes.

Andy, 33, lost both legs and an arm last year, when an IED exploded in Afghanistan.

Insurance firm Swinton Bikes are sponsoring the event.

• Andy is due to attend a fundraiser at the Griffin in Newton-le-Willows from 2pm this Sunday, where live outdoor music and a free barbecue will be held.

Money raised will be pledged to Andy’s cause and Help for Heroes.