Tributes pour in for fallen hero

TRIBUTES have poured in for Private Tom Sephton, the second soldier from Great Sankey to lose his life in the conflict in Afghanistan – including one from the fellow soldier who was his best friend.
Pte Charlie Emina was right next to Tom when the bomb which took his life exploded.
He said later: : “Sefo was my closest friend in the world – we were like brothers. He was always the life and soul wherever he went.
“He loved his friends and family more than anything. He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his country.
“He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own.”
The former Great Sankey High School pupil was a friend of Marine Steven Birdsall, who was killed only three weeks before him and whose funeral service was held only four days before his death.
Like Steven, he was a talented footballer and also a keen rugby player, playing for local clubs before joining the Army.
Major Chris Wood, Officer Commanding C Company, 1 Mercian, said: “Private Tom Sephton was caught in an explosion clearing a patrol base line to the north of Gereshk, Helmand province. He was part of an operation to reinforce the patrol base line allowing for greater security to be established among the villages of northern Gereshk.
“He was wounded as he deployed with his platoon to provide protection for the Improvised Explosive Device [IED] Task Force.
“Tom Sephton was one of the Company’s finest soldiers. He was fit, robust and above all, fearless. I have a Battalion coin which was awarded by the Commanding Officer for acts of courage and selflessness that was awarded to Tom.
“He had, some weeks ago, identified a command wire which led to a donkey. The donkey had been tied to the ground and on its back was a large IED. Despite the obscurity of a donkey-borne IED, Tom’s vigilance and utter knowledge of the ground prevented certain loss of life, but thanks to Tom the only casualty was the donkey. “Tom was at the top of his game, a true soldier and a great friend. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Their loss is greatest. Tom lived tough and died a hero. He is constantly in our hearts and will never be forgotten, we will see you again.”
Warrington South MP David Mowat added his own tribute.
He said: “Thomas is the second brave young serviceman to have been lost to the town in the last fortnight. I send my condolences to his parents for their tragic loss. Warrington is extremely proud of Thomas and saddened by our loss.”