Latest stage of Sunderland's Veterans' Walk unveiled to honour Forces Personnel past and present

The latest instalment of stones in the Veterans Walk, in Mowbray Park, Sunderland, were unveiled, by The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Coun. David Snowdon and his wife Coun. Dianne Snowdon, who are pictured with l-r Carla Cuthbertson, Rob Deverson and Tom Cuthbertson.

Granite slabs which make up the pathway, the only one of its kind in the country, are laid in phases to avoid disruption at the park and the latest phase takes the stones – each of which honours an individual who has or is serving their country – up to 500.

The walkway is the brainchild of Tom and Carla Cuthbertson, whose son Private Nathan Cuthbertson was killed in Afghanistan in 2008, and Rob Deverson as part of the Armed Forces Tribute Project.

It’s next to the city’s Brothers In Arms Memorial Wall but, unlike the wall, also honours living people who serve in the Army, RAF, Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy.

The unveiling was attended by scores of people

The unveiling was attended by standard bearers, a piper and many representatives of the Armed Forces and their families, as well as the Mayor of Sunderland, Coun David Snowdon.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor said: “I am immensely proud to have been asked to be involved with such a special event – the national Veterans’ Walk is a unique tribute to proud service and is open to all, whether they are serving, have served or passed away.

“Tom and Rob who organise this project have a very simple motto – they all stand equal – and it is marvellous to know that Sunderland is leading the way in honouring all service men and women.”

He added: “Sunderland has one of the highest populations of ex-service personnel in the country so it seems fitting that such an amazing tribute has started here.”

Mayor of Sunderland, Coun David Snowdon giving a speech at the unveiling.

Among those honoured in the latest phase are D-Day veteran James Johnston, 96, and Pearl Smith, 96, who served in the WAF, after both were killed in a car crash while returning home to Northumberland after visiting the Veterans’ Walk earlier this year.

The Veterans’ Walk, which has Sunderland-born Kate Adie as its charity patron, also raises money for Brothers In Arms, SSAFA and The Not Forgotten Association.