March 2021

Elite FX – Kilmanjaro and Foundation Partnership

Elite FX Logo

When we at the Foundation started to think about what events might be within our scope, we weren’t really thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro. That was until we got talking to Stuart Holmes of Elite FX, whose incredible enthusiasm has given us the confidence to mount this incredible expedition with forty other hardy souls. Stuart is now very much part of the Foundation family, pitching in with all manner of matters relating to the progression of the Standing Tall Foundation. Not only has he given so much of his time freely, we are delighted to say that he has now made his company a Foundation Partner.

Andy Reid MBE said of the partnership:

‘It’s been fantastic working with Stuart for the last few months on our plans for Kilimanjaro and I am thrilled that Elite FX have made this commitment to the Standing Tall Foundation, moving forward.’

Stuart Holmes – CEO of Elite FX said:

‘Elite FX’s focus is on providing a service for elite sportspeople, businesses and sporting bodies who have overseas income from revenue, salary or sponsorship deals and need to repatriate that income to different countries all around the world. I have over 18 year’s extensive experience in finance and foreign exchange, but started Elite with my late wife Nicki in 2019.’

He added further:

‘When I met Andy Reid it was clear that we had incredible shared values when it came too tackling mental health challenges both in ex-servicemen and in the wider society and we have committed to working together to effect change in those areas moving forward under the Standing Tall Foundation.’

CoseyHomes joins up as a Foundation Partner

Cosey Homes logo

The CoseyHomes Group has become a Foundation Partner.

Andy Reid MBE said of it:

‘I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Mike, Peter and their staff on this journey with us, all the more so, because they’re a local well respected company. The Foundation is proud of its St Helens roots and what it hopes to achieve for our communities, CoseyHomes involvement is a huge boost to aims.’

The Coseyhomes Group incorporates:

CoseyHomes – Chartered Surveyors
CoseyRentals – Lettings & Property Management
CoseyProperties – Property Development & Construction

Across its three divisions it now employs more than 60 staff members – the majority of which are based here in St Helens.

Peter Outten of CoseyRentals said:

‘I personally first met Andy Reid over 10 years ago whilst he was viewing potential investment properties. Since then we have met and spoke with Andy at many networking, community and charitable events throughout St Helens. We’ve also been lucky enough to be in attendance during a few of Andy’s guest speaker appearances and have always been touched and motivated by his story and determination – especially as he is a local lad, as am I.’

Peter added:

‘We were delighted to see the birth of The Standing Tall Foundation and knew that this would be a project that we would very much like to be a part of. After speaking with both Andy and John it was apparent that we had similar objectives, especially relating to our great town St Helens and the benefits to local people within our community. We are looking forward to contributing our time, effort and thoughts towards the foundation.’

Mike Cosy

Emma Willis & Style for Soldiers

Emma Willis manufactures and retails men’s clothing, specialising in bespoke and ready to wear shirts, with a shop in Jermyn Street and factory and HQ in Gloucester.

Speaking to the Foundation Emma said:

“In 2009 I set up Style for Soldiers, a charity to support injured and transitioning service personnel, with smart, well-fitting clothing and reunion events. Our Style for Soldiers Christmas party is the largest reunion for injured personnel in the country. I met Andy Reid MBE at Headley Court Military Rehabilitation Hospital which I visited regularly from 2009, to measure the patients for a bespoke shirt as a gift.”

Emma was deeply moved and shocked by the number of casualties returning from the conflict in Afghanistan and talked of the servicemen, women and medical staff she met there:

“They astounded me with their courage, care for each other and selflessness but I have to say Andy was one of the most astounding. Despite his unimaginable challenges he radiated strength and spirit and offered to help the charity in any way, in order to support his fellow injured veterans, by motivational speaking at any event. I took him at his word and a few months later he was on the stage at The Cavalry and Guards Club at our first Christmas party for beneficiaries and potential supporters giving the most brilliant and very funny speech!”

Emma says of Andy Reid MBE:

“His charisma, humour and strength of character, telling his extraordinary story of survival and resilience, has helped to give hope and strength to so many of the veterans we have supported as well as highlighted to hundreds in the civilian world the courage and sacrifice of our Forces.”

Marks and Spencer:

“Marks & Spencer donated over 250 suits to Style for Soldiers and having met Andy at the London Fashion week event and we were asked to invite him to speak to the entire London sales force and give the end of year staff prizes. The room of hundreds of M&S staff were without doubt changed from that day, Andy ‘blew them away’ as our military friends say!”

Emma comments on Andy, his work and the family man:

“I have the utmost admiration for Andy, we have worked together on so many veteran care matters and events and he would be my first port of call for advice on Style for Soldiers. His wisdom, kindness and selflessness are evident in all he does, including being a wonderful husband to Claire and father to William and Scarlet. I look forward to supporting The Standing Tall Foundation in the future, confident that where Andy’s energy, thought and care is directed will be of the greatest benefit to others.”

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