Warminster welcomes the Numbumrun

Thirty bikers led by a police escort roared into Warminster

this afternoon 

They were taking part in

the Numbumrun, a sponsored bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.  Their aim is to raise funds for the charity Help for

Heroes and the procession was led by a very special hero. Cpl Andy Reid of the 3rd Battalion the

Yorkshire Regt (Duke of Wellingtons) was serving in Afghanistan last year when

he was injured, losing both legs and an arm.

Since then he has spent many months in hospital and

rehabilitation and achieved a milestone in his recovery when he walked off the parade ground

after the regimental Medal Parade in Battlesbury Barracks in the summer. 

Andy once owned his own sports bike so is no stranger to the

biking world.  He was invited to take

part in the Numbumrun on a specially adapted bike.  The run 

has been organised by Cliff Williams of St Helens, Lancs,  who said, “I set up a run every year and this year we

decided to do something to help a charity. 

A colleague at work knew Andy Reid was in the Army and had been injured

in  so we chose Help for Heroes as our

charity."

Father Charles Gosnell from the Yorkshire Regt came to welcome Andy.  “We have

all been inspired by Andy’s humility and resilience.  In spite of his injuries he just hasn’t made

a meal of his situation - he's been a great example to other injured soldiers."

Town Crier Phil Seddon announced an official

welcome to the visitors and among the Warminster bystanders was a deputation

from Warminster British Legion.  Warminster

Mayor, Cllr Sue Fraser welcomed the riders and handed over two personal

cheques for Help the Heroes one from the

deputy Mayor, Cllr Pip Ridout. Local representative for Help for Heroes David Bartholomew

said they have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity to the charity.

The bikers were staying overnight in Battlesbury Barracks  with the Yorks Regt before resuming their journey tomorrow

morning.  Commanding Officer Lieut

Colonel Tom Vallings joined the welcoming party to greet Cpl Reid. “We’re giving them 

accommodation for the night and a barbecue this evening – it’s the least we can

do to support their efforts." said Colonel Tom.

After the barbecue in the barracks the bikers were due to

meet up in the Mason’s Arms later in the evening.  Tomorrow they leave at 7am for St Helens.

If you would like to support the Numbumrun go to http://numbumrun.phantom.uk.net/ where it is also possible to track Andy's progress on his way to John O'Groats.