YOU'VE probably spotted plenty of people posting their #10YearChallenge pictures on social media.
However, few have been as poignant, heartfelt and inspiring as those of war veteran Andy Reid, from Rainford.
He posted his #10YearChallenge images on Twitter showing him recovering from the IED blast that left him a triple amputee in Afghanistan and now, years later, standing tall on his prosthetic legs.
The dad-of-two, posted the picture below, saying: 2009 - 2019 Now that’s a #10yearchallange. This is the 10th year since I was injured ! Just shows what can be achieved with a positive mind
2009 - 2019 Now that’s at #10yearchallange This is the 10th year since i was injured ! Just shows what can be achieved with a positive mind pic.twitter.com/6Ei9MMTTpu
— Andy Reid (@andyreid2506) January 16, 2019
More than 2,200 people liked the post on Twitter, more than 200 people retweeted and a further 75 commented.
Steve Anderson said: "Wow! That’s inspirational. Well done mate, you should be very proud."
Michael Smith, added: "Fair play to you buddy a lot of people might have given up but no you. Hats of to you pal."
Dave Phoenix, said: "Good to see you looking well Andy. Great milestone.
"Keep up the good work and hopefully some of the younger generation coming through will follow your grit, determination and stubbornness in overcoming what seems the impossible."
Alison Mannion added: "Absolutely incredible how far you have come since that dreadful time Andy. You are truly inspirational. Wish you & yr lovely family the best of everything in the future."
David Murray said: "I've quietly followed you since seeing you present the ball at the exiles game at saints, you are pure inspiration, when people feel hard done to, just look at these two pictures, thanks Andy."
Andy after completing some of his epic challenges
The former corporal with the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment learned to walk again after suffering the devastating injuries and has defied the odds over the past decade.
In 2010, he surprised onlookers by marching shoulder to shoulder with more than 200 comrades to receive a military medal.
His watching family had expected him to remain in a wheelchair for the event – but the iron-willed troop stood tall at an hour-long medal ceremony at Battlesbury Barracks in Wiltshire.
He also achieved his dream of walking down the aisle to marry his wife Claire and the couple have gone on to have two children.
Lionhearted Andy, who was the inaugural Pride of St Helens winner, has completed a series of inspiring challenges and undergone pioneering surgery.
His autobiography Standing Tall has been published and he has built a career as an inspirational speaker.
Running the St Helens 10K on blades
With Claire in 2009 as he recovered from the injuries
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