WAR veteran and triple amputee Andy Reid has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for voluntary service to veterans and to people with disabilities in St Helens.
Andy, from Rainford, was serving in the army in Afghanistan in 2009, when he stood on an improvised explosive device, losing both his legs and his right arm.
Andy Reid
But rather than let his injuries take over his life, he turned his attentions to his recovery.
In 2010 he became a volunteer ambassador and fundraiser for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and has committed his life to raising awareness and fundraising for amputees, both civilian and military.
Throughout his fundraising he has raised more than £100,000 for the charity and participated in the 100km Front Line Walk in France, riding a specially adapted bike, and in 2017 he undertook the Warrior Challenge around the UK (cycling 400 miles and kayaking 128 miles in 14 days) raising £52,000.
Andy taking part in the St Helens 10k
He also jointly set up ‘AIM: Amputation, Inspiration, Motivation’ in the borough to inspire, motivate and offer assistance towards further education, employment, sports and hobbies for amputees. He mentored a boy who had lost his arm and vision and was struggling to see how life could move forward.
Knowing the boy’s passion for rugby league, he takes him to matches and offered him a wireless headset with commentary for the blind.
After his injury in 2009
However despite all of this, Andy says he was shocked when he learned he was to receive the honour
Speaking to the Star, dad-of-two Andy, 42, said: "It's quite exciting to be honest, I feel like I did when we found out my wife Claire was pregnant because I've not been able to tell anyone until we get the all clear tonight, but I've known about this for two weeks.
"So I'm excited to finally be able to let people know. I just feel so overwhelmed, shocked and honoured to be honest, 10 years ago when I was injured I never imagined this would happen, it was just about getting on with my life and doing what I could to help others.
"It's honestly amazing, it's not why I do what I do for the charity or helping disability charities, but it’s nice to get this recognition.
Andy with Claire in 2009 recovering from his injury
"My wife Claire opened up the letter because I was away at the time and we've just had to keep it to ourselves but we are very proud.
"I would just like to say a huge thank you to those who put me forward, it goes to show that anyone living with an injury or disability is not defined by it and can achieve anything they set their minds to.
"I look forward to being invited to London and will be taking Claire and the kids. We are really excited."
Andy when serving in Afghanistan before his injury
Andy was a corporal in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, where he served 13 years before his injury and has won several awards such as the Overcoming Adversity Award in 2010 in the Millies. He was also the first ever winner of the Pride of St Helens Award.
His book ‘Standing Tall’ telling the story of his life is available to buy at
.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel