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War veteran and amputee takes on Kilimanjaro for charity

A member of the Bannatyne Health Club in Skelmersdale is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for the Standing Tall Foundation.

Andy Reid MBE, a triple amputee, is set to climb 18,000 feet when he takes on the tallest standalone mountain in the world this October.

In 2009, Andy was badly injured after stepping on a Taliban improvised explosive while on patrol in Helmand Province with 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment.

Since his injury, Andy has raised several hundred thousand pounds for charity and in March 2020 set up the Standing Tall Foundation with his friend John Tabern.

The Foundation set about helping people on an individual basis, tackling homelessness, job loss and depression. During its development, the Foundation has been able to expand its work, now offering structured programmes of help to those suffering from mental health or addiction issues.

To prepare for the challenge, Andy has been undergoing ThinAir therapy for the last two years. The thin air machine delivers lower concentrations of oxygen, preparing Andy for walking in high altitude conditions.

Andy Reid MBE said: “The challenge will be my toughest one yet. I have overcome many challenges in my life, and I want to show people that through determination, courage, and support, you can achieve anything, no matter how hard it may seem.

“I’m very proud in how much the Foundation has developed and thank everyone for donating much needed funds for many veterans and individuals who require help.

“My training has not been easy and I have been training hard at my Bannatyne Health Club in Skelmersdale, making sure I’m fit and ready for the challenge.”

Duncan Bannatyne, CEO of the Bannatyne Group and friend of Andy Reid MBE said: “I’m very proud of Andy and all the work he does for the Standing Tall Foundation. The amount of money he has raised for charity is outstanding and I know he will rise to this latest challenge.

“I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro myself back in 2013 at the age of 60 so I know how difficult the climb can be. What Andy is doing is remarkable and he is an incredible role model.”

Three years ago, Andy was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for voluntary service to veterans and to people with disabilities in St Helens.

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The Bannatyne Group operates 70 health clubs, 47 spas and four hotels. It is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The health clubs have around 200,000 members. Bannatyne health clubs can be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. They place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle. www.bannatyne.co.uk

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