Touching tribute’s milestone

It’s pleasing to report that a touching city tribute to members of our Armed Forces is proving such a big hit.

More than 300 veterans and service personnel have nowbeenhonouredintheVererans’WalkinMowbrayPark.

Each of the granite flagstones in the walk is engraved with the names of service personnel who have served, or are currently serving, their country.

The walkway is the brainchild of Tom Cuthbertson, from Tunstall, whose 19-year-old son, Private Nathan Cuthbertson, was one of three paratroopers killed on June 8, 2008 when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Tom said: “There’s a story behind each and every stone.

“Some people put ashes underneath ones where someone has passed away and we’ve got a lot of people who are still serving who’ve bought them – so it’s getting to be quite an achievement.”

The latest phase of the Veterans’ Walk was unveiled at the weekend by Mayor of Sunderland Coun Lynda Scanlon with war hero Ben Parkinson MBE.

And word of the the city’s tribute is spreading.

Among the families of 120 people who will be remembered in stone for many generations to come were Lorraine Scaife, from Devon, whose husband Mick had arranged for her name to engraved in stone alongside his and his grandfather’s.

Lorraine said: “I was just completely overwhelmed – I had no idea. I was really emotional it made me cry, it was just truly wonderful.”

Rob Deverson, who teamed up with Tom to bring the path to Sunderland, said: “I think the amazing thing is that every stone has a story and that’s 300 stories, which is more important really.”

Well done to all connected with this initiative, we’re sure it will make great strides forward.