THE mum of a soldier killed fighting in Afghanistan has organised a march calling for greater support for armed forces veterans.

Private Daniel Wade, from Latchford, died at the age of 20 alongside five other servicemen when their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion in 2012 – months before the former Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School pupil was due to become a dad for the first time.

His mum Lisa Billing is now calling for greater support for veterans, many of whom struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and homelessness after leaving the forces.

Warrington Guardian: Daniel with his mum

Private Daniel Wade and mum Lisa

And hundreds of ex-soldiers and residents are set to take part in a peaceful march through the town centre this weekend in order to highlight the issue.

Lisa said: “Our veterans are suffering with PTSD and homelessness and being prosecuted in Northern Ireland.

“As a bereaved military mother, I would be heartbroken if that was happening to my son.

“They went to war for us, they risked their lives.

“We want to support our veterans and to unite Warrington with our veterans.

“People need to be aware what’s going on – they’re on the streets and it’s wrong, they should be supported.

“They were sent to a war that was illegal, so the government should be helping them and protecting them instead of leaving them to rot.”

Around a hundred walkers will set off from the Town Hall at 11am on Saturday, July 27, before following a route ending at the Bridges pub – where all veterans will be given a free pint.

At the same time, another 150 bikers will hold a motorcycle rally through the town centre.

All are welcome to take part.

Collections will also be held in aid of the Minds at War and Offload charities on the day.

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Lisa, 45, is also hoping to transform Marshall Gardens into a memorial space for fallen soldiers, and is in discussions with Warrington Borough Council.