Fallen Warrington soldier remembered with oak tree

Private Daniel Wade was from Warrington, and a member of the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment - he was killed in March 2012 when a roadside bomb exploded; he was 20 years old.

A service was held on Wednesday, September 27, in Marshall Gardens near Bridge Foot which dedicated a memorial tree in Private Wade's name.

Lisa, Daniel's mum, helps to maintain the gardens (Image: Newsquest)

The tree, an English oak, was planted beside a plaque that bears the inscription: "You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide; although we cannot see you, you're always at our side.

"Our hero, Dan."

Daniel's mum, Lisa Billing, attended the service and said: "I'm honoured, and it means so much.

"There are blossom trees throughout the gardens which represent the short lives of the fallen soldiers, as blossoms bloom for a short period.

"I've been given an eternal legacy for my son, and too many fallen soldiers are forgotten.

"When you've sacrificed your life for this country, nobody should be forgotten."

The memorial tree and plaque were provided by Life for Life Memorial Forest, whose mission is to provide families with the opportunity to cherish the memory of their loved ones through dedicated memorial trees

Life for Life Memorial Forest has more than 50 sites across the UK, mainly in the north west.

The English oak now forms part of the memorial in Marshall Gardens, which is maintained by the Friends of Marshall Gardens group and the council.

A memorial plaque now accompanies the tree in the gardens (Image: Newsquest)

Attending the service were representatives from Warrington Borough Council, including Maror of Warrington, Cllr Steve Wright.

Private Daniel Wade was killed in action on March 6, 2012, alongside five of his colleagues:

• Sergeant Nigel Coup
• Corporal Jake Hartley
• Private Anthony Frampton
• Private Christoper Kershaw
• Private Daniel Wilford