The Army Benevolent Fund is thrilled that our ambassador, Andy Reid MBE, has reached the finals of the 2024 Soldiering On Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people, teams and businesses who work in support of the Armed Forces community.
Earlier this year, our charity nominated Andy for the ‘Inspiration Award’ category of the Soldiering On Awards. This was in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a charity fundraiser and founder of the Standing Tall Foundation, and his courage in living with the serious injuries sustained during his Army career.
Pubic voting is now open to select the winner in the Inspiration Award category from the fantastic shortlist of three, including Andy
Corporal Andy Reid was injured serving with the Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009. Andy survived an IED explosion, in which he lost his right arm, right leg below the knee and left leg above the knee. On his return home, Andy astounded people with his recovery.
Despite experiencing many challenges, Andy’s determination and strength have enabled him to redefine his life and find inspiration in serving others. Throughout his journey, Andy has received the support of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF)– starting with help we provided to fund adaptions to make his home more accessible. Andy has raised thousands of pounds for the ABF and many other causes. He is also dedicated to raising awareness of the charity’s support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families as an ambassador, most recently at events with Her Majesty The Queen and author, Sir Max Hastings.
Andy has pushed himself to the limit with an incredible series of fundraising challenges – completing tandem skydives, abseiling, hiking, kayaking, and cycling hundreds of miles and in 2022, reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
A published author and accomplished motivational speaker, in 2020 Andy established the Standing Tall Foundation which promotes mental and physical wellbeing in St Helen’s. Andy was awarded an MBE in 2019 for voluntary service to veterans and people with disabilities.
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, “The Army Benevolent Fund is delighted that our ambassador, Andy Reid MBE, is a finalist in the Inspiration category of the Soldiering On Awards 2024. Andy has experienced life-changing injuries but does not let them define him. He is dedicated to serving others – raising thousands for our charity, establishing his foundation, and inspiring many people with his story of resilience and recovery.
“Congratulations to Andy and his fellow finalists – reaching this stage is a wonderful achievement in itself!”
The winner in the ‘Inspiration Award’ category will be chosen by public vote and announced along with the other categories at a ceremony in October. Voting opened on 23rd July and will close on 26th August.
To vote for Andy – visit the Soldiering On Awards website.
