March planned in memory of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

A march has been planned for people to pay their respects to 22-year old Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington of Middleton, who died on Monday 2 January on duty in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Hetherington died in “an incident” that is “currently under investigation”, in the town of Taji, northwest of Baghdad, Iraq. It is not believed that his death was as a result of enemy activity.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/107285/death-in-iraq-of-lance-corporal-scott-hetherington

Scott Hetherington’s cousin Aaron is arranging a march at 12pm on Saturday 21 January from Middleton Memorial Gardens for people to pay their respects. There, the group will make their way to the Middleton Arena and meet up with a fundraising motorbike ride also set up in Lance Corporal Hetherington’s memory.

The motorbike ride has been organised by Rigby’s Guardians MCC, and both groups intend to then write in a condolence book at the Arena. So far, over 350 people have said they will attend, with more expected.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/107403/huge-motorbike-fundraising-drive-to-take-place-in-memory-of-lance-corporal-scott-hetherington

An online appeal has also raised over £5,300 for Scott Hetherington’s family, including his baby daughter.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/In-memory-of-Scott-heatherington

Aaron Hetherington said: “We set up this walk for people that want to pay their respects but don’t have bikes to join in the event by Rigby’s Guardians.

“The response has been overwhelming. I honestly can’t appreciate the support enough. Rigby’s Guardians have also been very supportive. They’ve been fantastic.

“I was very close to Scott. I grew up with him and spoke to him every day. He was annoying, but funny-annoying. You just couldn’t be mad at him.

“Someone asked me the other day what Scott loved. He loved the army and talking about the army."

Mr Hetherington, a roofer from Middleton, also expressed his pride as the Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to Lance Corporal Hetherington during Prime Minister’s Questions (11 January).

Mrs May said: “From everything I have seen and read about Lance Corporal Hetherington, he was a very fine young man. He delighted in being in the armed forces, and we are proud that such a fine young man was in our armed forces.”

Details of the march on Saturday 21 January:

‘We will be meeting at Middleton Memorial Gardens, Manchester Old Road, Middleton at 12pm. From there we will be marching to meet the bikers at Middleton arena where they will sign the book of condolence.’