Emma Willis & Style for Soldiers

Emma Willis manufactures and retails men’s clothing, specialising in bespoke and ready to wear shirts, with a shop in Jermyn Street and factory and HQ in Gloucester.

Speaking to the Foundation Emma said:

“In 2009 I set up Style for Soldiers, a charity to support injured and transitioning service personnel, with smart, well-fitting clothing and reunion events. Our Style for Soldiers Christmas party is the largest reunion for injured personnel in the country. I met Andy Reid MBE at Headley Court Military Rehabilitation Hospital which I visited regularly from 2009, to measure the patients for a bespoke shirt as a gift.”

Emma was deeply moved and shocked by the number of casualties returning from the conflict in Afghanistan and talked of the servicemen, women and medical staff she met there:

“They astounded me with their courage, care for each other and selflessness but I have to say Andy was one of the most astounding. Despite his unimaginable challenges he radiated strength and spirit and offered to help the charity in any way, in order to support his fellow injured veterans, by motivational speaking at any event. I took him at his word and a few months later he was on the stage at The Cavalry and Guards Club at our first Christmas party for beneficiaries and potential supporters giving the most brilliant and very funny speech!”

Emma says of Andy Reid MBE:

“His charisma, humour and strength of character, telling his extraordinary story of survival and resilience, has helped to give hope and strength to so many of the veterans we have supported as well as highlighted to hundreds in the civilian world the courage and sacrifice of our Forces.”

Marks and Spencer:

“Marks & Spencer donated over 250 suits to Style for Soldiers and having met Andy at the London Fashion week event and we were asked to invite him to speak to the entire London sales force and give the end of year staff prizes. The room of hundreds of M&S staff were without doubt changed from that day, Andy ‘blew them away’ as our military friends say!”

Emma comments on Andy, his work and the family man:

“I have the utmost admiration for Andy, we have worked together on so many veteran care matters and events and he would be my first port of call for advice on Style for Soldiers. His wisdom, kindness and selflessness are evident in all he does, including being a wonderful husband to Claire and father to William and Scarlet. I look forward to supporting The Standing Tall Foundation in the future, confident that where Andy’s energy, thought and care is directed will be of the greatest benefit to others.”