Corporal Andy Reid 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
Andy Reid has served for 13 years with 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. He is currently in rehabilitation following the severe injuries he received by an IED while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. As a result of the explosion he lost both legs and his right arm. He is receiving ongoing treatment for his left arm which was also damaged and now fitted with a metal plate.
In order for him to recuperate at his home in Lancashire there was an urgent need for a wheelchair ramp and some other adaptations before he could gain access to the house. The Soldiers’ Charity was able to make an immediate grant to cover the cost of this installation. Cpl Reid says, “I’m grateful for the help that I’ve received. I couldn’t get into my home until the adaptations were done and The Soldiers’ Charity did the work in about 10 days.”
Cpl Reid is now attached to the Personnel Recovery Unit (PRU) Headquarters 42 (North West) Brigade in Preston, giving him access to education courses and future work opportunities. He is delighted to be part of this process and says,’ As I left school with no qualifications the PRU will get me ready to start a new chapter in my life on civvy street and enable me to take on new challenges. I still attend the Army rehabilitation centre at Headley Court to get my prosthetic limbs and any other care I need, and I also have time to get involved with The Soldiers’ Charity, meeting amazing and inspirational people that push themselves to their physical and mental limit to raise much needed funds’.
What is more, Andy took part in our first ever charity skydive where he took to the skies with other fearless supporters. If you are inspired by Andy why not take part in our next jump day!
