New street to be named after local hero soldier
A new housing development in Sutton-in-Ashfield is to have a road named after a fallen local soldier.
Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh, 25, of the Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was described as ‘an inspiring figure and the very embodiment of what a soldier should be’ by Platoon Sergeant David Roper following his death in 2010 during an operation in Afghanistan.
A decade on from David’s death, Ashfield Council is honouring his achievements on a new development on Davies Avenue where one street will be named Greenhalgh Avenue as a tribute to David and his family.
David’s mother Mandy Bainbridge now runs Speed The Plough pub in Sutton and is extremely proud of everything her son achieved in his life.
She said: “David took his job very seriously. He loved what he did and believed in what he was doing – he made me immensely proud to call him my son.
“I’ve looked at life completely differently since 2010 as I now look to help people as much as I can. I try to keep my life focussed, set goals and maintain a positive mental attitude.
“It’s what David would have wanted.
“I’m very grateful for this tribute from the council. It will be lovely to see his name honoured like this.”
Since David’s death, Mandy has raised thousands of pounds for numerous charities, including Cancer Research, the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and John Eastwood Hospice.
This year Mandy also begins training as a counsellor so that she can help other parents going through similar situations to hers.
She also hopes to help individuals leaving the armed forces suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health issues.
Coun Jason Zadrozny, council leader, said: “I am honoured that we have been able to pay tribute to David Greenhalgh, a local lad who paid the ultimate price for his country.
“I never met David but it seems he was a fantastic person to be around and Mandy is right to be extremely proud of her heroic son.
“Mandy’s decision to take up counselling training to help others is truly humbling.
“I’m looking forward to working with her on future projects in the community.”