Mary Pays Tribute to Yorkshire Hero

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh attended the funeral of Lance Corporal David Kirkness at Wakefield Cathedral today (12 January).  Lance Corporal Kirkness, who was 24 years old, was killed on 15th December in central Sangin, northern Helmand, Afghanistan.  He was killed preventing two suicide bombers from attacking a crowded market place and is the first soldier from West Yorkshire to be awarded the Elizabeth medal for his heroism and gallantry. 

Lance Corporal Kirkness was born in Wakefield on 11 December 1985.  He joined 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES) in Edinburgh in March 2004 and deployed to Afghanistan with the 3 RIFLES Battle Group in October 2009.  The Ministry of Defence said that he had played a key part of the numerous patrols and operations that are bringing security and prosperity to the population of Sangin.

Speaking after the funeral Mary Creagh said: "David's funeral was very beautiful and very sad.  The whole of Wakefield and Morley turned out to say their farewells to a true Yorkshire hero.  The tributes from his family and regimental colleagues were bittersweet, poignant and uplifting, and gave a real sense of David's larger than life character.  We owe David a great debt of gratitude.  Our hearts go out to his family and friends."