Pride of St Helens: The bocboc Courage Award - winner: Andy Reid (From St Helens Star)

Pride of St Helens: The bocboc Courage Award - winner: Andy Reid

11:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

SHEER resilience and positivity are some of the reasons why Andy Reid is so loved by the St Helens public.

So it was natural that the judges recognised the courage he has shown since suffering injuries in Afghanistan that took away his lower legs and right arm but could not break his spirit.

At the end of the night, after taking two honours including the prestigious Pride of St Helens honour, he was typically modest.

He admitted he would have been happy to have seen the courage award go to either of the other shortlisted contenders.

These included little cancer battler Billy Jarvis or Peter Donnelly, who challenges himself with epic adventures despite having being left paralysed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident.

Andy told the Star: “I would have loved to have seen little Billy win, personally, he’s an adorable, brave, kid. This is a great event, with some great people.”

Reflecting on the daily challenges that amputees face, he said: “The biggest challenges are the ones you can’t see; at night time, behind closed doors, struggling to get in and out of the shower. Even making a brew. But you just get on with it.

“People in wheelchairs have legs but can’t use them. I feel very lucky I am able to do that. I know how difficult it is to be in a wheelchair.”

Clare Hockenhull a director of award sponsors bocboc, the florist and cafe based in Eccleston, where Andy is a regular customer, told the Star: “It’s great to see three nominations, which were quite different. It’s brilliant to sponsor such an event.”

bocboc were among firms that transformed Langtree Park sponsors lounge into a magical setting for the gala night.