THE ultimate sacrifice paid by three brave soldiers from Warrington was highlighted in Parliament by one of the town’s MPs.

Warrington South MP Sarah Hall named Marine Steven Birdsall, Private Thomas Sephton and Private Daniel Wade in the House of Commons.

This was during a debate on remembrance and veterans, with a large number of MPs signing up to participate.

Ms Hall said: “As a nation, we are rightly proud of our armed forces personnel and veterans, and theirs is the ultimate public service. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

“All here, as we have heard already, have been touched by stories of heroism and heartbreaking sacrifice in defence of our nation.

“I take this opportunity to honour those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life.

“I want to focus on three brave soldiers from Warrington who lost their lives: Marine Steven Birdsall, of 40 Commando Royal Marines, who died in 2010; Private Thomas Sephton, of 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, who died in 2010; and Private Daniel Wade, of 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, who died in 2012.

“We will never forget the sacrifices they made. We are all here today because we owe so much to those who came before.

“We are deeply proud of our veterans, serving personnel and the families who support them for the contribution they make to our country.”

Sarah Hall during the debate. Picture: Parliament.tv

Sarah Hall during the debate. Picture: Parliament.tv

Ms Hall also paid tribute to the mother of Private Daniel Wade, Lisa Billing, who in memory of her son has worked tirelessly to revitalise Marshall Gardens in the town centre.

Located opposite the cenotaph at Bridge Foot, the land has been transformed into a haven of peace, reflection and remembrance.

“Lisa was instrumental in making that happen, pouring her heart and soul into the project,” Ms Hall said.

She continued: “In Warrington, the scale of support for our serving personnel, veterans and families is clear to see with the popularity of the annual Warrington Armed Forces Day festival.

“It is held each year at Crosfields Rugby League Club to raise money for armed forces charities in memory of Tom Sephton.

“It is here that the community has taken the opportunity to come together to enjoy a day of rugby league entertainment, with thousands of people showing their continuing and unwavering support to all our armed forces.

“They raise tens of thousands of pounds for armed forces, rugby league and local charities.

“I also pay tribute to Warrington’s veterans’ hub. The support offered by the hub reaches far and wide.

“It is fair to say that while we are two constituencies, we are one town with a shared sense of pride, respect and admiration for all serving and veteran military personnel, and a shared drive and passion to ensure they receive the help and support they need.”