Ahead of taking on the 2026 London Marathon later in April, Andy Reid MBE will present the match ball at this Friday's Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final between St.Helens and Catalans Dragons.
The former Corporal lost both his legs and an arm whilst on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009, but was determined to define himself as a survivor and help inspire others by showing what can be achieved through resilience as well as the right support network.
Now, Andy is set to take on one of the most iconic long-distance challenges in the world, the London Marathon, to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and his own charity, the Standing Tall Foundation (STF), and he is hoping to become the first-ever triple amputee to complete the marathon.
The ABF is the Army’s national charity. It provides support to soldiers, veterans, and their families, and the STF provides mental health counselling, addiction, housing, and welfare support in our local community of St Helens. Both charities are terrific causes, supporting those in need, and Andy is hoping to raise as much money as he can by taking on the London Marathon.
Speaking to saintsrlfc.com about his latest fundraising challenge, Reid said: “I’m excited for it! It’s an iconic event, and although it sounds like a lot, only around 70,000 people a year get to take part, so it’s a very small minority who get that opportunity.
“An event like the London Marathon is definitely one you want on your bucket list, and to be doing it now as a disabled, injured veteran is a massive honour.”
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Andy has been hard at work preparing for this upcoming challenge.
“Training has been going well. I’ve been doing laps around Ruskin Drive, so people might have seen me going round in circles, but I’ve also been walking along the Rainford Bypass and getting plenty of support from passing drivers. The warmer weather adds a new challenge, especially with a prosthetic leg and limited ability to regulate heat, so that’s something I’ll need to adapt to.
“At the moment, I’m averaging around two miles per hour, so over 26 miles, that’s roughly 13 hours as a target. I’ll likely be one of the last to finish, but the cut-off is midnight, so that’s what I’m working towards. The main thing is getting it done.”
St.Helens R.F.C. is supporting Andy with his challenge, inviting him to deliver the match ball ahead of this Friday night’s knockout clash against Catalans Dragons.
“It’s amazing, the Saints and the town have supported my journey since the day I was injured. I’ve delivered motivational talks for the Saints Women’s team and the First Team, so there’s a great relationship.
“The Club and the town have been such a huge part of my journey. It’s a great honour to come to the BrewDog Stadium, see the fans and raise awareness for both the Foundation and the marathon challenge itself.”
