WAR veteran Andy Reid is co-hosting a new weekly radio show which reunites armed forces personnel with their loved ones over the airwaves.

Online radio station Great British Radio has been launched aiming at keeping a sense of optimism alive by celebrating all things British.

The brainchild of radio presenters Mike Osman and Kevin King, the team includes presenters and actors Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane, vocalist Lucy Kane and singer and presenter Cheryl Baker.

The line-up is bolstered by St Helens’ inspirational ex-soldier Andy.
Together, they aim to bring the “best of the best together” in a celebration of voices, thoughts, and lives, whilst catering to the new way audiences listen to radio in 2021. 

Every Sunday morning, the station will be linking armed forces with their loved ones with the heart-warming show titled Connect Forces, hosted by Linda, Mike and Andy. 

St Helens Star: This is the picture posted by Andy’s wife Claire which attracted so much attention on Twitter

St Helens Star: Honour: Andy collected his Millies trophy from Myleene Klass and Jeremy Clarkson.

St Helens Star: Cpl Andy Reid

PICTURED: Some of Andy Reid's inspirational moments from down the years

In a year when so many have been separated, this aims to be a moving and popular segment of the new station.

The team is calling on people to nominate servicemen and women to take part in this special Sunday morning segment. 

Andy, from Rainford, has inspired many people over the past decade with the way he has recovered from the injuries sustained after being caught in an improvised explosive device blast in Afghanistan during 2009.

The injuries left him a triple amputee, but he went on to walk again with the aid of prosthetics, became father to two children, and established himself as a motivational speaker, charity campaigner and businessman.

Speaking of his slot on the show Andy said: “I am so happy to be doing this.
“Radio is a change of tact for me, but to bring servicemen and women together over the airwaves to reunite with family, it is something so special and very moving.”

Mike Osman, one of Britain’s leading impressionists is no stranger to radio as the former host of the hugely successful Capital Gold Breakfast Show. 

He said: “Music and radio are our passions, but more importantly than that, we’re people, who love people. There are thousands of great songs out there and so many wonderful stories to be told, but when I turn on the radio, I don’t hear them. 

“We love to share and hear stories, and this will make up what makes Great British Radio so ‘great’.

"This is a place where everyone is welcome, and every voice is celebrated. We are so excited for our launch and have worked really hard to bring a real mix to the station”.

Great British Radio station will air 24 hours a day, bringing together, sharing music from across six decades, and introducing new talent along the way.

It was during the first lockdown that Mike called radio host Kevin King and the seed for Great British Radio was planted.