Pride of St Helens: Solar King Pride of St Helens Award - winner: Andy Reid (From St Helens Star)

Pride of St Helens: Solar King Pride of St Helens Award - winner: Andy Reid

12:46pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

ANDY Reid described being named Pride of St Helens as his greatest honour – and moved swiftly to dedicate the award to his wife Claire.

In a moment of immense poignancy, the former soldier collected the prize on the eve of what marked the third anniversary since he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

The story of how he has confronted his injuries – which has been chronicled by the Star – continues to inspire.

The 36-year-old from Windle, who will become a father in five weeks, told the Star: “It shows what you can achieve when you have someone like Claire by your side.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I have the support of friends, but the way she supports me is like nobody else.

“She’s there on the days, when I’m down, when I wonder how I’m going to move forward.”

Visibly touched by the award, he said: “It’s massive! I have won military awards, but this is ten times better than that.

“To be recognised from your own town is unbelievable, especially when you’re up against someone like Wello.”

Andy also spoke of those others on the night, whose stories of courage and determination, drew widespread admiration: “Steve Prescott inspires more every day,” he said. “And I think if Steve can do it, maybe I can do it too.

“And little Billy Jarvis, who has fought so much at such a young age. It’s amazing.”

Andy was unsurprisingly modest about his achievements.

“I’m just a real person from St Helens; not a super athlete or superhuman, just a person.”

Solar King’s Andy Mikhail, the headline sponsor of Pride of St Helens said: “What an incredible night.

“We are proud to be the sponsors and would like to express thanks to the hard work of everyone who made the Pride of St Helens happen.”

Other nominees were Paul Wellens and Daily Mirror journalist David Collins.