ANDY MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST EVER TRIPLE AMPUTEE TO COMPLETE THE MARATHON!

He did it! Our Co-Founder Andy makes history as the first triple amputee to complete 2026 TCS London Marathon !

Andy, a veteran who sustained life changing injuries while on patrol in Helmand Province, has overcome his toughest challenge yet – finishing the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26th April. 

Andy Reid MBE, from St Helens, has made history as the first triple amputee to complete the 26.2-mile course of the iconic event. The father-of-two, who is turning 50 this year, was determined to mark this milestone by taking part in the TCS London Marathon and to show what disabled and injured veterans can achieve.

Whilst on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009, Andy lost both his legs and an arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device. Seven members of his regiment died during this tour and during his lengthy rehabilitation in the UK, Andy was determined to redefine himself as a survivor, not a victim. He has dedicated himself to raising thousands of pounds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), which helped him after his injury, and then setting up the Standing Tall Foundation.

After his injury, the former corporal of the 23rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, received the support of the ABF, the Army’s national charity. The ABF was there throughout his recovery, helping to fund adaptions to make his home more accessible and pay for training to support his post-Army career. With his friend, John Tabern, Andy went on to found the Standing Tall Foundation in 2020, which provides mental health counselling, addiction, housing and welfare support to veterans and communities in his hometown. 

Lining up alongside 59,000 other participants, including a team of 80 running in aid of the ABF, Andy was one of the last to receive his medal on Sunday. Supported by his friend, Ged Mason, it took Andy a total of 12.5 hours, and around 80,000 steps to reach the finish line. En route, Andy paused and paid his respects at the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial in Victoria Gardens, to commemorate those who served in both countries, including those comrades he lost.

Celebrating his achievement, Andy Reid 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, and it was massive physical and mental challenge but with the support of the crowds, and my friends and family, I kept going. 

“I want to thank everyone who supported me – every donation and message of support makes a real difference. This Marathon was not just about raising funds, but also about inspiring other people to see what they can achieve with the right help and mindset. I hope that as many people as possible around the country can support me in raising funds and awareness for these two fantastic charities.”

Andy had already entered the record books in 2022 as the first ever triple amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He’s delighted to have made history again by completing the TCS London Marathon.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added: 

“Congratulations to our ambassador, Andy Reid MBE, for finishing the TCS London Marathon in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund and the Standing Tall Foundation. This iconic event is tough for anyone to complete but for someone with Andy’s injuries, finishing it is an incredible and unique achievement. Andy continues to dedicate himself to supporting others – raising thousands for the ABF, establishing his own charity, and inspiring many people with his story of resilience and recovery. Thank you on behalf of the charity to Andy and to all our Marathon runners for their support.”

Andy took part in the TCS London Marathon in aid of the two causes closest to his heart – the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, which provides a lifetime of support for soldiers, veterans and their families, and the Standing Tall Foundation, which promotes the mental health and physical wellbeing of all community groups, by providing free professional support and services.

There’s still time to support Andy, visit his fundraising page HERE

Huge thanks to all our Sponsors and to everyone that donated and supported Andy on this epic journey – he couldn’t have done it without you!

Massive congratulations to our Mascot Bastion the Bulldog AKA Rachel Webster who also completed the marathon in 8.5 hours after wearing the costume all day in the blistering heat and sun!

Here are some photos from the day: