Veteran triple amputee bids for marathon first

Andy Reid says he wants to inspire other people with disabilities or injuries [PA Media]

An Army veteran, who is bidding to become the first triple amputee to complete the London Marathon, has said he wants to show others with a disability or injury what can be achieved "with the right mindset and the right support network".

Former corporal Andy Reid, who lost both legs and his right arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2009, expects it will take him 12-13 hours and 80,000 steps to complete the 26.2 miles.

The 49-year-old, from St Helens on Merseyside, said he would also be walking the route in honour of seven friends in his regiment who died.

"I'm still here despite my injury, so I've got to make the most of life," he said.

Reid was on patrol with the 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment when he was injured.

He said he was taking on this challenge "to show other people with a disability or injury what can be achieved with the right mindset and with the right support network around them".

Reid said he had started training on New Year's Day, adding: "I've put the hard work in."

He said he had previously climbed Kilimanjaro and knew "what kind of mental strength these things take when it gets a bit tough, where you've got to dig in".