War veteran Andy Reid to reveal the real story behind his courage in ‘Audience with’ event

After being left with life-changing injuries following a devastating explosion in Afghanistan, soldier Andy Reid has battled forward with a rare courage that saw him become the first triple amputee to conquer Kilimanjaro and set up a foundation to support others.

And while many others now see him as an inspiration, Andy Reid is in no doubts as to who was his.

Mum Barbara lost a leg and was left in a wheelchair after a drink driver crashed into a motorbike and sidecar they were travelling in when Andy was five.

He Said:

“So I took my strength from her. How could I not show resilience and overcome the injuries I got in the army when I had watched her deal with hers?”

Andy lived through her journey and helped her cope, even in the times when it became too much for her.

“I helped look after my mum and experienced life as a young carer, like those I’ve since worked with. I faced adversity as a child. I grew up with it.”

Andy will talk about his childhood, his army life and injuries, and his battle to get his life back and help others in An Audience with Andy Reid, an event being hosted at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens Rugby Football Club’s ground, on Saturday, April 27.

It’s a first for the St Helens hero and he says it’s only right it’s happening in his hometown.

“I have done motivational speaking for corporate events but never for public ones, and never in so much detail or with so much time,” explains Andy.

“People are always asking me questions about what I have done, and even whether they can come to talks I have been doing, so it’s seems right and about time. I think I’ve just worried before about whether people would come, and I’m told people will.

“I guess I didn’t realise that. I’m a humble guy who just gets on and does what I do.”

A humble guy … and an incredible one.

Andy lost both legs and his right arm when he stood on an IED (improvised explosive device) in Helmond Province, Afghanistan, in October 2009 while serving for the 3^rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment.

He fought back from feeling ‘useless and unwanted’, and endured countless operations and being fitted with prosthetic limbs, to come out feeling positive.

The father-of-two has since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for armed forces charities and his own Standing Tall Foundation which promotes and supports physical and mental health and well-being. It provides addiction support, counselling, and activity initiatives, as well as financial aid to those suffering hardship and homelessness.

Funds raised by the Audience with event will go towards the Standing Tall Foundation, and Andy adds:

“It’s right that an event in my community should help my community and where I live, and it’s as much as a thank you for the support I have been given over the years to get to where I am today.”

Andy Reid will talk about being born in Birkenhead and brought up in St Helens, including his school years.

“I went to Windlehurst Primary and then Rainford High where I was asked to leave for not concentrating and being disruptive.

“I realise now my issues were down to being dyslexic which hadn’t yet been diagnosed, and anger at the situation I’d lived through as a young teen.”

He will go on to discuss his army career and his tours of both Ireland and Afghanistan, before talking about how he has dealt with his injuries and learned to love life again. And he will answer all those questions people have been wanting and waiting to ask him.

Crucially, he says:

“I think people need stories of inspiration, how something good can come out of something bad.

“Some success stories.

“It’s taken me 15 years to get to where I am today, with two children, and being married and living a happy, comfortable life. There are people out there – especially after Covid – who are in a dark place so I want them to see and realise that change takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight but, with the right help and support, you can get through it.”

He even hopes the event could go on to other areas in the North West and, even, the UK.

“I’m no Jason Manford, but I would like to go on a bit of a tour, to other rugby and football clubs and theatres, talking to people who want to hear an inspiring story.

“I – and other veterans like me – have gone on to live fantastic lives, and done things that we might never have achieved, were it not for what we’ve been through.

“We have paid a high price for that, but it shows how you can embrace and enjoy the life you’ve been given, whatever that life might be.

“My favourite song is The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, because it’s about being dealt the cards in life and playing the best hand you can with what you’ve got.

“Failing, for me, isn’t an option.”

Andy will be joined on the evening by former St Helens, England, and Ireland rugby league player Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, and it will include Andy’s talk and Q&A session as well as music from Jess Cosy, a raffle, and a live auction.