Work is progressing well on the project to breathe new life into the site – which sits opposite the cenotaph on Bridgefoot – transforming it into a beautiful memorial garden for the whole community to enjoy.

Running through the gardens, as an integral part of the project, will be a Heroes Pathway, giving everyone the opportunity to create a lasting tribute to their own hero by purchasing a stone.

All profits from the sale of stones will be donated to support the work of Warrington Wolves Foundation and St Rocco’s Hospice.

The Heroes Pathway is being delivered in partnership with The National Veteran’s Walk, an organisation which aims to create permanent tributes to all who have served or are still serving in our Regular and Reserve Armed Forces. For the first time, the organisation has expanded the project to allow people to purchase a stone honouring public services workers.

Warrington people who would like to pay tribute to a loved one who has served, or is still serving, in the armed forces or a public services worker - including Emergency services, NHS and health staff who have worked bravely in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic - are being invited to purchase their own granite stone to take its proud place on the pathway.

You can purchase a stone for the pathway by visiting nationalveteranswalk.co.uk. Each stone costs £249.

The Marshall Gardens project is revitalising an important town centre green space, transforming it into beautiful community garden and an ideal place for peace, reflection and remembrance.

The project began in summer 2020, following an idea brought forward by Lisa Billing, who spent several years researching and developing the project. Lisa’s son, Private Daniel Wade, from Latchford, was tragically killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2012, alongside five of his comrades – The Warrior Six.

Lisa is working with Warrington Borough Council, Minds At War, community groups and volunteers to make the project a reality, with the refurbishment works due to be complete in March.

Lisa said: “I’m so pleased with the fantastic progress we are making with the restoration of the gardens. A huge amount of hard work has been put in by everyone involved – including our fantastic volunteers - and it’s exciting to see the changes beginning to happen.

“Through this project, my hope has always been to bring the whole community together to create a place where people can reflect and remember. The Heroes Pathway will be an important part of that, giving everyone the opportunity to honour someone who has been a hero in their life.

“I hope lots of local people purchase a stone, so we can build a stunning Heroes Pathway at the gardens which we can all be proud of – while also raising money for some very important charitable causes.”

Along with the Heroes Pathway, other key parts of the Marshall Gardens refurbishment project include:

•            A clean-up of the gardens

•            Clearance of tired, overgrown trees and shrubbery and replacement with 18 new trees, opening up views throughout the parkland

•            The installation of 12 new benches

•            Landscaping works and the planting of a variety of colourful, textured, scented flowers

•            Securing the gardens through the refurbishment of the park entrance ornate feature gates and railings.

Chair of Warrington Wolves Foundation, Pete Astley MBE, said: “We are immensely proud to be invited to be involved in the Marshall Gardens Heroes pathway project which demonstrates our collective pride in the work of our Armed Forces and will allow the Community to go to reflect on the ultimate contribution our heroes have made.

“The Warrington Wolves Foundation “One of Us” project supports the physical, mental wellbeing and integration of veterans through providing activities and ambassadors to promote and increase awareness and opportunities. We are very grateful to Lisa and the team for supporting the Foundation and all funds raised will be invested back into the One of Us project.”

For more information about the Heroes Pathway project and to purchase a stone, please visit nationalveteranswalk.co.uk.

If you would like to get involved in the project or would like to sponsor a tree or flower bed at the gardens, please email [email protected], visit the Friends of Marshall Gardens Facebook page, or follow @MarshallGarden1 on Twitter.