WARRINGTON mum Lisa Billing, whose soldier son Daniel Wade was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan, has won a national “Overcoming Adversity Award,” recognising her outstanding work in the community.
Lisa from Hood Manor, Warrington, won the Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) Overcoming Adversity Award at a celebrity-presented awards evening in London, last night, Friday, after being nominated by Warrington Worldwide.
The award is for a military family member who has experienced and achieved success despite living through an unfortunate event, experiencing difficulties or challenges. This could be based around mental, emotional or social challenges – or all three.
Lisa is a dedicated supporter of the Armed Forces community who has worked tirelessly to preserve the memory of her son, Daniel Wade, and other soldiers who died in Afghanistan. Over the past decade, she has spearheaded the renovation of Marshall Gardens near Warrington Cenotaph, transforming it into a beautiful space that honours fallen heroes. Her partnership with Warrington Borough Council helped secure funding for this outstanding project- including a Warrington Worldwide Legacy Project grant.
Lisa, who was presented with the award by Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) said after the event: “I am so proud my persistence and never giving up over the past 10 years to have an eternal legacy for My Son Pte Daniel Wade’s sacrifice for his country and all of our Frontline Personnel. The Garden has brought a whole community together right in the heart of Warrington, to bring this award home, from the Victory Service Men’s Club in London, makes me so proud.
“When Antony Cotton introduced me as a finalist he cried and had the room in tears, due to him reading my achievements. When the executive from Marks and Spencers said ‘I am so delighted and proud to say the winner is Lisa Billing’ I couldn’t believe it.
“I was just wow, Iain and Andrea Taylor from Northwood investors came to support me, along with Alexandra Keegan. I am so proud and happy that I have an Award. It just goes to show anyone what can be achieved with determination and never giving up on what you started.
“A big thank you to the volunteers who have helped me throughout the past 11 years as the Garden has been open for a year now, it is flourishing. Alongside Warrington Borough Council we have created a Legacy and Garden where everyone matters as that’s what we do in Warrington, we get up and keep pushing on sometimes not because we want to but because we have to!”
Lisa with one of her sponsors, Iain Taylor from Northwood investors and Antony Cotton
@MarshallGarden1 @WarringtonBC awards evening I am so pleased I won Thank you everyone who has supported me I am so overwhelmed and pleased to have Daniel Legacy I could never have done this without you pic.twitter.com/NFT8V0PDEt
— Lisa (@reallisabilling) April 29, 2023
Lisa billing – Overcoming Adversity from Celebrating Forces Families on Vimeo.
2 Comments
Absolutely fantastic. X
Well done Lisa