Andy Reid: I'm overjoyed that I will be a dad (From St Helens Star)

Andy Reid: I'm overjoyed that I will be a dad

11:35am Friday 17th August 2012 in News

ANDY Reid has described his joy at learning he is due to become a dad in the autumn.

The former corporal – who lost both legs and his right arm in an Afghanistan bomb blast – this week spoke for the first time publicly of how he is looking forward to the latest amazing chapter in his life.

His wife Claire is due to give birth to a baby boy in three months’ time.

The couple will stick to a Reid family tradition of naming their son William, which is Andy’s Christian name.

Andy said: “We’re made up. Holding my son for the first time is going to be amazing. I’ll be so proud.

“On a scan we had it even looked as though he was giving us a salute.”

This summer Andy left the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment after 14 years of service and both he and Claire are looking forward to an exciting new chapter in their lives.

The couple from Windle, who married last year, thought long and hard about starting a family and Andy has admitted to having worries about some fatherly duties, such as nappy changing.

But the ex-soldier, who pulled through after suffering the horrendous injuries in the autumn of 2009, has shown repeatedly that he can overcome the odds and find solutions to his disability.

After hour upon hour of rehabilitation, he learned to walk again aided by prosthetic limbs.

Such determination and immense courage led to him being able to stand and march with comrades at a campaign medal ceremony, take part in the St Helens 10K run, perform a tandem skydive and walk down the aisle on his wedding day.

Claire, 31, and Andy, 36, believe they have been fortunate, because some blast victims are left unable to have children.

Claire said: “He will be a fantastic dad. He has got so much to give and we know we’re really fortunate.”