Cadets in South Tyneside support bike ride for fallen soldier

Hebburn cadets support the riders on bike ride to honour Nathan Cuthbertson.

A group of cadets from Hebburn Detachment of the Army Cadet Force, were on the finish line to provide an honour parade for cyclists taking part in Cuthy’s 200.

More than 200 riders took part in Cuthy’s Big Bike Ride, which is named after Sunderland soldier, Nathan Cuthbertson, to raise cash for forces charities.

Nathan, a member of the Parachute Regiment, was just 19 when he was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan in June 2008, and since then his family and friends have held an annual charity bike ride to raise cash for worthy causes in his memory.

Cuthy’s 200 is a bike ride from Catterick to Sunderland, an endurance event commensurate with the training and ethos of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.

Ten cadets from South Tyneside, aged from 12-17-years-old, went along to help out with the event at the weekend.

Hebburn Company’s Training Officer, Captain Ian Crammond, is a friend of the Cuthbertsons and was one of the riders who took part in the event.

Red Devils Parachute Display Team members with Tom and Carla Cuthbertson at the end of Cuthy's Big Bike Ride.

The ex-paratrooper, said: “It is not too late to make a donation. All funds will be used for worthy causes.”

A former St Aidan’s School pupil, Nathan’s family and friends have strived to keep his legacy alive by raising thousands of pounds for military and civilian charities through the ride.

Leaving Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire at about 7am, groups of 20 riders made it back to Wearside and the finishing line at Ashbrooke Sports Club was where the Hebburn cadets were waiting to meet them.

A family fun day then took place with a performance by parachute display team the Red Devils.

Nathan’s dad Tom, said: “We had about 260 riders taking part, which was great.

“For this to be held in our Nathan’s memory and so many people to support us is fantastic.”

He wanted to thank everyone who supported the event.

Hebburn Detachment welcomes new members and meets every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Army Reserve Centre in the town’s Victoria Road.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can make cheques payable to: The Parachute Regimental Association and send them to Regimental Headquarters, The Parachute Regiment, Merville Barracks, Colchester CO2 7UT.

People can also make a donation to the charity Support Our Paras by visiting supportourparas.org.