Andy Reid has described 2010 as a ‘whirlwind’ after not only coming to terms with losing three limbs in Afghanistan but also showing amazing courage in raising thousands of pounds for charity, popping the question to his girlfriend and rounding off the year with an accolade at The Sun Military Awards.

Corporal Reid, 34, of The 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Battlesbury Barracks in Woodcock Road, Warminster, lost both legs and right arm when a mine exploded in Afghanistan last October.

Since undergoing treatment at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, and during his rehabilitation at Headley Court, his now fiancee, Claire Smith, 29, has been by his side.

The couple met two years ago in their hometown of St Helens, Merseyside and became engaged on September 10, 2010.

Cpl Reid said: “We got a canal barge for the weekend with some friends and I proposed at a little pub on one of the stop offs. I’d been practising for a few weeks to get on my knee and do it properly.

“Claire has coped well since my accident.

“It’s a massive change for both of us. She’s been next to me the whole time, supporting me.

“I want to stay as independent as I can and do things for myself but, when I can’t, Claire is always there to help me.”

The couple split their time between their married quarters in Warminster where the Ministry of Defence has installed a stair lift for Cpl Reid, and a house in St Helens where the Army Benevolent Fund has installed a lift from the garage to the first floor.

The soldier became an national ambassador for the fund earlier this year and raised thousands of pounds during a skydive at Netheravon in July.

Cpl Reid then raised £40,000 for Help for Heroes by motorcycling the length of the UK in less than a week in August.

The Corporal’s year was topped off this month when he won the Overcoming Adversity accolade at The Sun Military Awards.

It was presented to him by Jeremy Clarkson and Myleene Klass.

Looking back on 2010, Cpl Reid said: “It’s been a whirlwind.

“It seems to have gone really quickly with all the things I’ve been doing but I think that’s helped my rehabilitation.

“The highlights have been getting back on a motorbike because I’m a keen biker – it gives you a sense of freedom.

“It was also fantastic to be picked as an ambassador for the Army Benevolent Fund and the military award was just the icing on the cake.”

The St Helens RLFC fan is planning a fundraiser with former St Helens player, Steve Prescott MBE, next year.

Mr Prescott set up a foundation in his name to raise money for cancer research after he overcame the disease in 2006.

“I’m hoping to do a 10k or 12k with Steve,” Cpl Reid said.

“It would be great to split the money between his foundation and the ABF.

“I’m glad that people can take some inspiration from me to try and help themselves.

“It also demonstrates to soldiers that if you are injured you can still get on with your life.

“Rehab is going well for me.

“I can do most things for myself now.

“I can walk about a mile-and-a-half.

“Hopefully I can finish at Headley Court next year and then get back to work in Warminster.”

The 34-year-old, who walked for the first time on his prosthetic legs when he received his Operation Herrick Medal from the Duke of Wellington in Warminster in July, is enjoying a well-earned rest in St Helens this Christmas with his family.