Mother's tribute to hero son

THE mother of the Warrington soldier killed in Afghanistan has paid an emotional tribute to her son.
A note, attached to four roses tied to the fence outside her home at Latchford reads:”Daniel my baby boy, my hero. I will always love you and you have made me the proudest mum in the world.”RIP son, you are with Nanna and your Dad now, my angels. Love mum x x.”
Neighbours have also tied balloons and floral tributes to the fence outside the home of 20-year-old Daniel Wade, the former Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School pupil, who was one of six British soldiers killed by a massive Taliban bomb in Afghanistan earlier in the week.
Family and friends have been gathering at the house to comfort Daniel’s mother, Lisa Billing and her daughter, Stacey.
Daniel was shortly to become a father, His fiancée, Emma Hickman, aged 19, is expecting a baby in June.
In a prepared statement, Daniel’s uncle, Dave Hamilton, said: “On Tuesday we were hit with the devastating news that our Daniel, our lovely, loving son, fiance, brother, nephew and friend was killed while on active service in Afghanistan. Like any other normal 20-year-old he was just finding his feet in life, building a future for himself and his fiancée Emma.
“Emma adored Dan, he was her life and will remain so, both in her heart and through the life of their first child expected in June.
“He was a typical, young, fun-loving lad who had his whole life ahead of him.
“He loved his family, and his mum Lisa and sister Stacey. Words cannot describe how utterly devastated we all feel at such a difficult time but we also cannot put into words how immensely proud of Daniel we all feel, not just as a soldier but as a man.”
Private Wade and the five other soldiers had been on a security patrol in a Warrior armoured fighting vehicle when it was caught in an explosion in Kandahar province at dusk on Tuesday.
John Sharples, headteacher at Boteler paid tribute to the young soldier, who left the school in 2007.
He said: “We watched him grow into a fine young man with a strong moral purpose.
“He was well-liked by his teachers and fellow pupils.
“He was a keen basketball player and the last time he visited the school was in the summer of 2011, when he dropped in to see his coach and check how the team was doing.
“His ambition had always been to join the army and there he was in uniform, proud to serve and ready to play his part in helping bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“He promised to write about his experiences for the school newsletter.
“The whole school community is shocked and saddened by the news of his death.
“He and his family are in our prayers.”
Warrington South MP David Mowat said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news that we have lost a brave soldier from our town. I understand that Daniel was on the verge of becoming a father which makes it all the more tragic. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Those like Daniel, who serve our country are simply the best of the best. We owe them a debt of gratitude and it is right that we should reflect on the courage and determination they show every day and the terrible sacrifices they are prepared to make.”
Private Wade’s commanding officer, Lt Col Zak Stennings said: “It’s to his great credit he successfully completed his Warrior driving course so early in his career. He loved being on wheels and had a passion for motorcross.”
Three Warrington soldiers have now died during the Afghanistan conflict
Pictured: Private Wade photographed at Boteler for the school magazine.