A former soldier who was injured in Afghanistan is set to take on the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise funds for fellow veterans, soldiers, their families, and his local community. Andy Reid MBE, from St Helens, lost both his legs and an arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device whilst on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009. Now, the father of two is gearing up for the marathon on Sunday 26th April, to show what disabled and injured veterans can achieve.
Andy will be participating in this year’s London Marathon to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund, which is the Army’s national charity, and his own charity, Standing Tall Foundation, which provides mental health counselling, addiction, housing and welfare support to communities in his home town and across the country. With the help of his supporter, Ged Mason, Executive Chairman of Morson Group, Andy is aiming to reach the finish line in 10/11 hours and hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the two causes closest to his heart.
During his lengthy treatment and recovery in the UK after his injury, the former Corporal in 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was determined to defy the odds and to redefine himself as a survivor, not a victim. From the start, Andy received the support of the ABF – which helped to fund adaptions to make his home more accessible and pay for training to support his post-Army career.
A published author and accomplished motivational speaker, in 2020, with his friend, John F Tabern MSc, Andy established the Standing Tall Foundation, which promotes mental and physical wellbeing, supporting hundreds of people in the community each month, including ex-service personnel.
Andy has gone on to raise thousands of pounds for the ABF and the Standing Tall Foundation, through a series of tough physical challenges – including climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, abseiling down Blackpool tower, and completing a 600-mile tricycle ride. Now Andy is embarking on a demanding training programme to ensure he is ready to walk the 26.2-mile route along the capital’s streets in April’s Marathon.
Andy Reid said: “I’m turning 50 this year, and I wanted a challenge! I hope that as many people as possible can support me in raising funds and awareness for both charities – the Standing Tall Foundation and the Army Benevolent Fund. The TCS London Marathon is something that I would have taken part in if I’d not been injured. By showing what can be achieved by someone like me, a triple amputee, with the right mindset and support network around you, I want to help others to see what they can overcome.”
Ged Mason said: “What I admire about Andy is that he really pushes his limits and nothing holds him back. Just by doing what he’s doing, Andy helps motivate others who might be struggling. I am delighted to be supporting Andy to take part in the 2026 TCS London Marathon; and looking forward to training with him, too.”
Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added: “We are so grateful that our ambassador, Andy Reid MBE, is taking part in the TCS London Marathon in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund and the Standing Tall Foundation. Andy has experienced life-changing injuries but does not let them define him. He is dedicated to serving others – raising thousands for the ABF, establishing his own charity, and inspiring many people with his story of resilience and recovery. We wish Andy the best of luck in his training and look forward to supporting him along the way.”
To support Andy Reid’s London Marathon fundraiser, please visit: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/fundraisers/andyreidmbe/londonmarathon2026