WHILE the heartache of losing a child never gets easier, the mum of a fallen soldier is taking comfort from knowing his legacy lives on.

Former army veteran Andy Reid, from Rainford, is raising money for two armed forces charities in memory of Private Daniel Wade.

Pvt Wade's mother, Lisa Billing, 43, was unable to contain her emotions as she met Andy and serving warrant officer Glenn Hughes, alongside whom Andy is raising money.

She said: “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.”

To remember the fallen, 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 six soldiers killed and, on Tuesday, they reached Pvt Wade’s grave at Fox Covert Cemetery.

Afghanistan veteran and triple amputee 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.

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.

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

The two friends hope to raise £50,000 for ABF The Soldiers Charity and Style For Soldiers.

Pvt Wade, from Latchford, was 20 when he was killed in Afghanistan in 2013 along with five other soldiers after their vehicle was caught in an explosion.