You'll Never Walk

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Andy’s right femoral right artery was severed when he lost a chunk of his thigh and, after almost 30 operations, eventually had his leg amputated.

Paragon premieres tomorrow at Liverpool One Odeon. For more information about Andy’s Ben Nevis climb, the AAA Ascent, visit justgiving.com/H4HAAA My mate in front of me jumped over a ditch and hit a trip wire which set off two IEDs. It was all surreal,” says Andy. “I remember saying again and again ‘have I still got my arms and legs?’ and then the helicopter arrived and the next thing I knew was waking up in hospital in Birmingham." He says: “It came down to what the Marines had taught me about always pushing yourself, jumping outside of your comfort zone and giving 100%. I was used to life at 100mph and suddenly I was living at snail’s pace. Antony, who met Andy through his work for military charities SSAFA and Help for Heroes, helped set up Paragon’s premiere for free at the Liverpool One Odeon. Proceeds will go to Charlie’s Chance charity for children who need treatment abroad.

Frank Gardner

But the soldier who won two gold medals in the Invictus Games for wounded soldiers, organised by Prince Harry, says: “If someone had told me when I was first injured that I would one day win two gold medals and be cheered by 5,000 people I wouldn’t have believed it.

He said: "The anniversary of the blast is a bitter sweet day, but one that I like to get together with friends and family. I always talk about life being 10 percent the situation you find yourself in, 90 percent what you do about it. At the end of the day there are always parts of your day that you can’t do anythingabout but try and focus on what you can affect. Put all your time, focus and energy into that and above all, stay hopeful. To add more challenges your way, how has the coronavirus pandemic affected you, not only as a person but in your line of work? I wanted to inspire people in a different way. Being in the Marines was the best thing I’ve ever done – but I don’t want people to be saying, ‘Is he still on about getting blown up?’.” That first walk was an important milestone on his road to recovery. Since then Andy has kept on distance walking and running with such grit and determination that at the recent Invicta Games - motto "I am the Master of My Fate" - he gained two gold medals, one for the 400 metres and another for the 1500 metres plus a bronze for the 4x100 relay.Screening of 'Paragon' at The Odeon Liverpool One, a Matt Owen documentary featuring former Royal Marine Andy Grant Andy Grant & Matt Owen with ex Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher at the screening. Photograph Geoff Davies. (Image: Geoff Davies)