Huge motorbike fundraising drive to take place in memory of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

Photo: MOD

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

A fundraising motorbike ride in memory of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington will take place on Saturday 21 January outside Rochdale Town Hall.

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, 22, from Middleton, died on Monday 2 January in the town of Taji, north west of Baghdad, Iraq. He had recently become a father.

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

His death followed "an incident" that is "currently under investigation, but it is understood was not as a result of enemy activity”.

The ride, organised by Rigby's Guardians MCC, begins at noon and will see the group travel to Middleton Arena to write in a condolence book, which has now been opened.

Organiser Gavin Vitler said: “Scott was a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and a Middleton lad who served his country with honour, so I invite veterans and members of the public to attend and show our support for his family at this very difficult time.

“Scott’s mum, Anne, and dad Jason have said how happy they are about this ride and want everyone to know how touched they are by everybody’s support.”

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

The motorbike ride is one of a few fundraiser events taking place in Scott’s memory. Over £300 has been raised for Scott’s daughter by XOXO Cocktail Lounge in Middleton through donations and sales of their ‘Scotty Snowball’ cocktail.

A spokesperson fo the bar said: “Scott was an amazing human being. He could bring a smile to anyone. We loved him deeply. A trust fund is being opened for Safaya, Scott and Savannah’s beautiful daughter. We want to do all we can and show how loved her daddy was.”

Meanwhile, a JustGiving appeal has also been launched to raise £6,000 for Scott’s family.

The organiser of the JustGiving page said: “I am trying to raise money for the family of Scott Hetherington who leaves behind a beautiful baby girl, girlfriend, mum, dad, twin sister, brother and all of his family.

“This has come a shock to everyone and all of his home town; Scott was a lovely young man who always had a smile on his face. There was never a dull moment when he was about; he will be missed by all.”

To donate, visit:

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