Honouring bravery, courage and sacrifice

LAST week I had the privilege to join the family of Hazel Grove First World War hero, Private Wilfred Wood VC, for the unveiling of a special memorial train at Manchester Piccadilly.

Wilfred Wood, a 21-year old private in the 10th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, is remembered for a great act of bravery in the First World War. When under heavy fire he singlehandedly disabled two enemy machine gun posts and caused the surrender of 300 enemy soldiers.

After the war Wilfred Wood returned to work on the railways, making this memorial train a fitting tribute in his honour.

Many people may recognise that a local pub now also bears his name.

We are now in November and approaching Remembrance Sunday.

At this time of year, it is important that we come together to remember the acts of bravery, courage, and sacrifice made by many men and women across conflicts, both recent and historic.

Without these acts of courage we would not have the freedom which underpins our way of life.

I would like to encourage people to show their support for the Royal British Legion in this year’s Poppy Appeal. The Legion do valuable work in supporting our veterans and their families.

As in previous years I will be laying wreaths across the Hazel Grove constituency. Each year it is heartening to see young and old turning out for important acts of remembrance.