WHILE the pain and heartache of losing a child never gets any easier, the mum of fallen soldier Private Daniel Wade takes comfort from knowing his legacy lives on.

Lisa Billing, 43, was unable to contain her emotions as she met army veteran Andy Reid and serving warrant officer Glenn Hughes who are raising money for two armed forces charities in his memory.

She said: “It is emotional but Andy and Glenn are so inspirational.

“It is comforting to know they are remembering my son and Daniel’s fallen comrades.

“I am so proud I could burst with pride but I still get very emotional as it is very bitter-sweet.

“It’s difficult that he’s not here but then I have been able to meet so many inspiring people like Andy and Glenn along the way.”

Pvt Wade, from Latchford, was 20 years old when he was killed in Afghanistan in March 2012 along with five other soldiers after their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion.

To remember the fallen six, Andy and Glenn have decided to cycle 500 miles from Lytham to Devizes and kayak 100 miles from Devizes to Westminster.

Along the way they will visit the graves of the six soldiers killed – five from the Third Battalion Yorkshire Regiment and one from First Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

On Tuesday, they reached Pvt Wade’s grave at Fox Covert Cemetery where they met his mum Lisa.

“People say it gets easier with time but it doesn’t,” said Lisa.

“No mum should have to bury their child.

“To lose a child – the pain is just unimaginable.”

Andy and Glenn are set to complete the gruelling charity challenge on June 29 after travelling through Lytham St Annes, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Bradford, St Helens, Warrington, Gloucester, Bath, Warminster, Devizes and Westminster.

Afghanistan veteran and triple amputee Andy said: “I served with these guys in the Third Battalion Yorkshire Regiment.

“I take great strength from these guys who are not with us anymore.

“When I’m having a bad day, I reflect on these guys and the fact I’m still here.

“We want to make sure they are not forgotten and raise some awareness for the armed forces charities.”

All money raised will be donated to ABF The Soldiers Charity and Style For Soldiers.

The two friends hope to raise £50,000 for the causes.

“Daniel was a good bloke – they all were,” said Andy.

“They were all keen to be in the army and they loved what they were doing.

“We are doing this for them.”

A bucket collection will be held at this Saturday’s Warrington Wolves game against Catalans Dragons or to donate search for Warrior Challenge 2017 on virginmoneygiving.com.