Afghanistan war hero finds new home in Windle
Andy Reid and his fiancée Claire Smith are looking forward to moving into their first home together at Miller Homes’ Scholars Way development in the Windle area of St Helens.
Solider Andy, 34, lost both his legs and an arm fighting in Afghanistan last October and needed a new home that was spacious enough for him to get around in his wheelchair. Andy and Claire visited the ‘Helmsdale’ show home at Scholars Way, thought it was perfect for their needs and decided to buy it.
Andy says: “I needed a property with a large area downstairs so I can easily move around in my wheelchair. The 4 bedroom ‘Helmsdale’ fits the bill, as it has a spacious hallway, which means I can easily get into the lounge and kitchen breakfast area.” The bay windowed lounge of the ‘Helmsdale’ is a lovely shaped room, while the kitchen breakfast room has plenty of space for hosting a dinner party for friends.
Andy continues: “Miller Homes’ has been great and has done modifications to our property so I have everything I need. A lift is being put in the garage so I have access to the upstairs rooms. The layout of the upstairs space also works for us. The master bedroom has its own ensuite, which is ideal for me, and the family bathroom is also large
enough for me to access.”
It’s not just the inside of their new home that appealed to Andy and Claire. Andy says: “Unlike a lot of new homes, the ‘Helmsdale’ has bags of character. It has all the benefits of traditional styling, like sandstone ledges to the windows, yet we have the advantages of a brand new home, where everything is modern and clean. This is something that Claire really likes, along with the good sized, manageable back garden.”
Andy and Claire were also drawn to the location of Scholars Way. Andy says: “I know Windle well, as I lived close by as a child and used to play around there. It’s a really nice area. Claire likes it as she has friends close by and we regularly meet up in one of the local pubs.”
On the northern edge of St Helens, Windle is a sought-after peaceful suburb, yet is less than a mile and a half from the town centre. There is a good choice of pubs and restaurants nearby, as Andy and Claire have found, and St Helens offers a wide choice of activities for relaxation or a fun night out. Just five minutes from Scholars Way is a local shopping area, ideal for picking up every day provisions.
Andy and Claire are looking forward to the future in their new home. As well as remaining in the army, Andy is now an ambassador for ABF The Soldiers Charity, which supports soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. Andy has recently done a parachute jump to raise money for the charity and is hoping to do more fundraising activities next year. He says: “When I lost my limbs, I decided to get on with life and make the most of it, which is definitely what I’m doing.”
Scholars Way offers a choice of 4 and 5 bedroom family homes and 2 bedroom apartments, available to people over fifty-five. Apartments start at £189,950, with houses available from £299,950.
People can find out more about the homes available by visiting the marketing suite at Rainford Road, Windle, St Helens, WA10 6BX. It is open Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
