Memorial ride for Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington 2019

Date published: 22 January 2019


Not even the weather could put a dampener on the day as bikers met for the annual Scott Hetherington memorial ride at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday (19 January).

The group set off at 12 noon before heading past Queen’s Park, Heywood, to Bowlee, past Middleton cenotaph to the Gardeners pub via Long Street and Hollin Lane.

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, 22, of the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, died on 2 January 2017 after a tragic accident in the town of Taji, north west of Baghdad, Iraq. 

The Middleton soldier was buried with full military honours at Boarshaw Cemetery.

Organiser Gavin Vitler said: “Massive thanks to all who attended the ride and memorial, and massive well done to the marshals. We raised £300 for two chosen charities, Minds at War and The Lee Rigby Foundation.”

Scott’s mum, Anne Hetherington said: “Thank you each and every one of you for celebrating my Scott’s life. You don't know how good you all made me feel for that one day.”

A memorial plaque was also unveiled following the ride, which will be installed at Middleton Army Cadets, alongside a similar plaque in remembrance of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

Fusilier Rigby was also a Middleton soldier, who was brutally murdered in Woolwich in 2013.

Do you have a story for us?

Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.


To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.

To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.


While you are here...

...we have a small favour to ask; would you support Rochdale Online and join other residents making a contribution, from just £3 per month?

Rochdale Online offers completely independent local journalism with free access. If you enjoy the independent news and other free services we offer (event listings and free community websites for example), please consider supporting us financially and help Rochdale Online to continue to provide local engaging content for years to come. Thank you.

Support Rochdale Online