St Helens war hero and charity founder Andy Reid MBE defied the odds by becoming the first triple amputee to finish the London Marathon.
Mr Reid crossed the finish line on Sunday after 12 hours, 34 minutes and 54 seconds, inspiring thousands and raising vital funds for fellow veterans. Taking around 80,000 steps, the father-of-two was among the final participants to receive his medal, cheered on by crowds, family, and friends.
The St Helens-born veteran, who will turn 50 this year, lost both legs and an arm in 2009 after stepping on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Seven members of his regiment died during the same tour. Following a long rehabilitation in the UK, he made a conscious decision to redefine himself — not as a victim, but as a survivor.
Since then, Andy has dedicated his life to supporting others in his hometown and beyond. With the help of Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, he was able to adapt his home and retrain for life after service.
In 2020, alongside friend John Tabern, he co-founded the Standing Tall Foundation, which provides mental health counselling, addiction support, housing advice, and welfare services to veterans and the wider community in St Helens.
Speaking after completing the marathon, Andy said: “I’m exhausted but delighted to have made it to the end of the Marathon. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was a massive physical and mental challenge but with the support of the crowds, and my friends and family, I kept going.
“This was not just about raising funds, but also about inspiring other people to see what they can achieve with the right help and mindset.”
During the race, Andy paused at the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria Gardens to pay tribute to fallen comrades — a poignant moment of reflection during an otherwise gruelling journey through the capital.
He completed the marathon alongside nearly 59,000 other runners, including a team of 80 raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Andy was supported throughout the race by Ged Mason OBE, Chairman of the Morson Group and patron of the Standing Tall Foundation.
This latest achievement adds to Andy’s growing list of remarkable feats. In 2022, he became the first triple amputee to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, further cementing his reputation as a symbol of resilience and determination.
Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, praised Andy’s accomplishment: “Finishing the London Marathon is tough for anyone, but for someone with Andy’s injuries, it is an incredible and unique achievement. He continues to inspire many through his resilience and commitment to supporting others.”
Despite the enormity of the challenge, Andy hopes his achievement will inspire people across St Helens and beyond to push beyond their limits and seek support when needed.
There is still time for the public to support his fundraising efforts, helping ensure that vital services for veterans and communities can continue, visit Army Benevolent Fund – Andy Reid.
Featured image: Andy Reid MBE, William Lailey, Ged Mason OBE supporter & Joanne, Marathon volunteer tailwalker. (Image Credit: Army Benevolent Fund)
