WAR veteran and triple amputee Andy Reid MBE has delivered an inspirational speech to Leigh school pupils and got them to understand the meaning of the word "determination".
As part of Bedford High School's Enrichment Day, students welcomed armed forces veteran Andy.
Andy, from Rainford, had a 15-year army career as a corporal with the Third Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.
In 2009, he was on active duty in Helmand Province in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device.
Corporal Reid lost both legs and an arm in the blast but that was just the start of his inspirational journey.
He told the students how he refused to give in to his injuries and was determined to use the opportunity to help others.
Andy Reid MBE in action at Bedford High School
“I saw it as an opportunity,” Andy told a packed U Block Hall at the school.
“I decided that rather than lying there and feeling sorry for myself, I would do as much as I could to overcome my disabilities and show others in the same situation that it could be done.”
Andy put proposing to his now-wife Claire at the top of his "to do" list.
Since then has gone on to complete a host of challenges to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support other injured soldiers, including a 10k run, abseiling down The Big One rollercoaster at Blackpool and long-distance bike ride and canoeing challenges.
“Don’t be a victim, be a survivor,” the dad-of-two told the students.
“My key to success was to set myself short, medium and long-term goals and to always keep challenging myself.
"I believe I survived the explosion for a reason and that was to move forward and help others.
"With the right mindset and determination, you can achieve your goals.”
Enrichment Day is a highlight of the high school's academic year because it gives the students time away from the usual timetable of lessons to try new experiences.
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This year, the Year 11 students were given the chance to prepare for life after school through a series of interview sessions with top-flight businesses and organisations.
Putting the young people through their paces were representatives from global accounting group KPMG, Bolton Sixth Form College, Wigan Council and Sellafield.
Andy Fiefield, from Sellafield, said: “I have been impressed by the calibre of the young people and the quality of their answers to the questions I have put to them.
"I have been to Bedford several times and have always been impressed with how much the school does for the students to get them ready for the world of work.
"Sessions such as this let the young people know what to expect from a job interview and it really can give them the winning edge over the competition.”
Other activities for Enrichment Day included a trip to the Van Gogh Experience in York for Year 7 students, where they got the chance to "step into" the artist’s work through 360-degree digital projections.
Year 8 students took part in a Healthy Lifestyle’s Day, which included students turning up the heat on their cookery skills with some tasty sessions in how to bring their favourite healthy recipes to life.
Year 9 were given an introduction to higher education with visits to the University of Chester and University of Bolton or a personal development day in school.
While Year 10 students enjoyed a Wigan and Leigh College taster day with A-Levels, vocational courses and insights into construction and engineering on offer.
Bedford High School head teacher Helen Phillips said: “Our enrichment days are always a big hit with the students and this one was one of the best we have had so far.
"We were privileged to hear Andy Reid’s story and it had the children captivated.
"Andy has harnessed the power of his self-belief and has used it to turn tragedy into triumph.
"There can be no doubt he has made a lasting impression on our students and motivated them to have a ‘can-do’ attitude and a winning mindset.”
Mrs Phillips added: “We are extremely proud of all our young people at Bedford High School and want to give them as much support as possible to make the most of the opportunities available to them both in school and after they leave us.
"Our enrichment days are a powerful way of helping us to achieve this.”
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