An Interview With Andy Grant

‘About the Town’ met with Author, Motivational speaker, Masterchef 2019 contestant and fastest single amputee in the world… Andy Grant!

Andy Grant of Liverpool, served as a Royal Marine commando in Iraq and Afghanistan for nearly seven years before an accident changed his life completely.  In 2009, on a routine foot patrol, a fellow Royal Marine accidentally activated an IED which saw himself and Andy severely injured.  Andy received 27 separate injuries to his body including major damage to his leg.  After spending 2 weeks in a coma, and a gruelling 18 months in hospital, he decided enough is enough and made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated.  Since then, Andy has learned to walk and even run again, he has climbed mountains, learned to ski and swim and currently holds the world record for the fastest single amputee in the world!  Andy didn’t stop there, he’s since brought out his book ‘You’ll never walk’, began motivational talks, started a podcast called ‘Leg It’ and recently appeared on the BBC programme Masterchef!  He helps so many people with his motivational talks and is involved in many charities such as Help the Hero’s and School of Hard Knocks.  Andy met with us to talk about his journey so far, and how mindset and thinking beyond outside limitations can help overcome even the darkest of days…

Andy, after you made the decision to have your leg amputated, how did you find the strength to go from lying in a hospital bed to becoming the fastest single amputee in the world?

You know at a very young age I realised life wasn’t fair, I lost my mum when I was 12, and she was only 36, and from then on I realised I had to be strong and face what life threw at me with courage.  When I got blown up, I never looked at myself as a victim of my circumstances, I always knew there were people much worse off than me, and I always tried to see the positive in everything.  I never wanted to be the injured solider.  So, when I had my leg amputated, I worked hard at regaining my ability to walk and never gave in to any other outcome other than I would walk once more.    It took a long time, but by the summer of 2010 I exceeded the invisible limitations of those around me and not only did I walk again, but I ran.  I felt like I was flying – it was the most amazing experience.  From there I grew in confidence, did more sports and eventually finished up beating the world record for 10km.  

What do you say to people who are struggling with negative self-belief?

The Royal Marines teaches you 7 key values in life; determination, adaptability, courage, professional xxx, fortitude, unity and commando humour.  I use these 7 values in my motivational workshops and speeches, these ethics have stood the test of time and are relatable to all difference areas of your life.  How you experience life is mindset, you can either laugh or you can cry, you can choose to survive, or not.  You are never too old to try something new, whether that’s a physical challenge, or a new belief system – mindset is everything.  I like to say, you can be a rock or a sponge.  Ask yourself, am I the smartest person in the room, if the answer is yes, change rooms.  You are the product of your environment, and if you want to learn then start hanging around with the people who inspire you, or who are doing what one day you’d like to do.  

Amazing!  So, your book came out in paperback earlier this year, and you have just started your podcast, who have you interviewed lately?

The podcast I set up to mark the 10-year anniversary of my accident, and its grown from strength to strength – I’ve done many podcasts with some amazing people, but to name a few we’ve interviewed Kevin Ellison, Paul Cheetham, Tony Dodson and recently Billy Moore, an English Boxer incarcerator in Thailand’s most notorious prison.  

Lastly Andy, how was Masterchef?

Firstly, I have to say that I don’t consider myself a celebrity by any stretch, but when I was approached to do this, I thought it would be a good laugh and I would enjoy it, so I agreed.  I wasn’t wrong, I had a great time and met some great people.  I got voted off on the first round, which I was gutted about, but I really enjoyed the experience.  

Andy’s Book ‘You’ll never walk’ is available in WH Smiths, Waterstones and on Amazon.