On May 13th, Totally Wicked Brand Ambassador, Colonel Andy Reid embarked on his incredibly inspiring Ambassador Challenge. Andy, who lost three limbs whilst serving in Afghanistan set himself the task of cycling one-handed around the North West of England. He would visit each of the organisations for whom he is an ambassador, to raise funds for ABF The Soldier’s Charity.
Since his injury in 2009, Colonel Andy Reid has dedicated his life to motivating and inspiring others to reach their goals. He does so by delivering speeches and undertaking mammoth tasks. He also works with a number of organisations as a brand ambassador to help spread awareness and positively integrate each organisation with the armed forces community.
Over the past decade, Andy has taken part in numerous fundraising activities, from skydiving to a 10k run. On the 13th May it was time for his latest challenge…
The Ambassador Challenge
The journey was aptly named ‘the Ambassador Challenge’ as Andy would visit each of his ambassador partners along the way. As Andy is a triple amputee, he was riding a modified bike which he would operate by hand-cycling with his left arm.
Andy’s challenge would start by visiting the ABF Soldier’s Charity for whom he is an ambassador, and for whom the challenge was in aid of. He would set off on his journey from Fulwood Barracks in Preston and make his way to the next stop, Totally Wicked HQ.
The sun was shining in Blackburn so Andy stopped in for a brew and a chat before meeting Totally Wicked CEO, Marcus Saxton. Andy Reid has been a brand ambassador for Totally Wicked since March, 2018 and over the past year the partnership has grown from strength to strength. Here’s what both Andy Reid and Marcus Saxton had to say:
That was two visits done but there was still four left on the list… Step Forward Homes, JMW Solicitors, Morson International and Saints Community Development Foundation.
Step Forward Homes is based in Knutsford, so off Andy went on his 40-mile cycle. Andy arrived to a warming reception from his partners at Cheshire.
The fourth stint saw Colonel Reid battle on as he reached JMW Solicitors in Manchester; almost 20 miles north! Andy’s valued legal partners were on hand to welcome him before he was back on the bike, heading towards Morson International, in Salford.
After stopping by the global recruitment company, Andy was on to the final stretch… A mere 20 miles to the Totally Wicked Stadium in his home town of St Helens, where he is an ambassador for the Saints Community Development Foundation.
So, after cycling over 90 miles, Colonel Andy Reid had completed yet another incredible challenge. This is what he had to say:
“It was fantastic to take on and complete the Ambassador challenge on what is the 10th anniversary of being injured. Working with Totally Wicked as the Armed Forces / Brand Ambassador means a great deal to me. If by working with them we can make veterans and serving personnel see the health benefits of vaping over smoking, resulting in a fitter army, then I think it’s a fantastic partnership.
Also, bringing together the other companies I work with: Morson Group, Step Forward Homes, JMW Solicitors, to all support veterans and ABF the Soldiers Charity is fantastic as it’s very important to me personally to give back to the charity that has supported me and my family”
We would like to take this time to wish Colonel Andy Reid a huge congratulations on completing the Ambassador Challenge. Well done Andy and thanks for stopping by Totally Wicked HQ!
If you’ve been inspired by Andy, donate to his JustGiving page: Donate today.
