Hundreds turn out to honour Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

Hundreds turn out to honour Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

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Hundreds of people turned out on Saturday (21 January) to honour fallen Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington.

Lance Corporal Hetherington, 22, from Middleton, died on Monday 2 January in the town of Taji, north west of Baghdad, Iraq.

His death followed "an incident" that is ‘currently under investigation, but it is understood was not as a result of enemy activity’. His body was repatriated on Thursday 12 January.

Over 100 bikers attended a ride organised by Rigby’s Guardians MCC and set off from Rochdale Town Hall at 12 noon, making their way to Middleton Arena via Heywood. Some had travelled from as far as Blackpool.

A memorial walk, organised by Scott’s cousin Aaron Hetherington, joined the motorbike group at Middleton Arena. Members of Scott’s family who took part were mum Anne, sister Sian, brother Nigel, partner Savannah and their baby daughter Safaya Rose, uncle Jim, nephew Corey, stepdad Wayne, stepbrothers Callum and Lee, plus cousins.

They were joined by veterans, cadets and many members of the public, including Fusilier Lee Rigby’s family. Lee, also from Middleton, was brutally murdered in Woolwich in 2013 at the age of 25.

The group marched from Middleton Memorial Gardens via Manchester Old Road onto Assheton Way where they met the bikers outside the Arena before writing in the books of condolence for Scott.

Scott’s mum, Anne Hetherington, said: “I can’t even begin to say thank you to everyone, even those who are picking up after we’ve gone.

“It’s been overwhelming and I’d like to say the biggest thanks ever. Aaron gave a fantastic speech earlier and he really did Scott proud.”

Sian Hetherington, Scott’s twin sister, said: “It’s nice to see so many people here, even those who didn’t know him. It’s really nice for mum.

“It makes us even prouder of Scott, if that’s possible.”

Leader of Rigby’s Guardians, and organiser of the motorbike ride, Gavin Vitler said: “Special thanks to the UK Biker Marshalls, the bikers, scooters and members of the public who came out. There’s been a much bigger turnout than we expected.

“I’d also like to thank the police, Rochdale Council, the Flying Horse and those at Middleton Arena.”

Funds raised from the ride will be donated to the Royal British Legion.