'You've done your son proud' - Messages of love for Sunderland couple given MBEs for charity work
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Tom and Carla Cuthbertson have been recognised for services to Charitable Fundraising for the Armed Forces, channelling the grief of losing their teenage son into a force for good.
Their son Pte Nathan Cuthbertson, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province in June 2008.
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Hide AdDriven by the ambition of keeping Nathan’s memory alive, their charitable projects include launching the Brothers in Arms charity, organising the annual Cuthy’s 200 bike ride, creating the Brothers in Arms Memorial Wall in Mowbray Park and its neighbouring Veterans’ Walk.
And as the New Year’s honours list was published late on Wednesday, December 30, the Sunderland community came together to celebrate Tom and Carla’s hard work, branding it a legacy in Nathan’s memory and for the city of Sunderland.
To date, they have raised more than £350,000 for charities they support.
Here are some of your messages from the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:
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Hide AdCarol Bambrough: “Well deserved, congratulations to you both for your tireless work.”
Michael Kearney: Congratulations. It’s fantastic to see a personal tragedy turned into something positive. Well done Tom and Carla you've done your son proud.”
Jo Woodhall: “I can’t think of two people who deserve this more! Lots of love and hugs congratulations to you both!”
Dave Ramshaw: “This is tremendous news to a very deserving couple. Well done and a very happy new year.”
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Hide AdWendy O’Brien: “Fantastic … great honour for you and for Nathan.”
Sharon Jeanette Elliott-Goldstraw: “Brilliant. Well done and thank you Tom for all your help with our stones on the walk and the memorial wall. My dad is forever grateful.”
Jim Taylor: “This is fantastic news and testament to all the brilliant work Tom and Carla do for charity. Congratulations to you both.”
Nicola Harle: “Congratulations! Well deserved, a great honor for you both. Nathan will be watching over you with a big smile on his face.”
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Hide AdMaureen Lafferty: “Congratulations Tom and Carla. This is so beautiful and well deserved. Your son will be shining down on you both with pride. This brought a wee tear to my eyes.”
Dave Wilson: Congratulations both of you, take every stride in your nature - a well deserved accomplishment and reward. It's an absolute pleasure to know you both, and for certain we know one man who will be smiling down on you.”
Catherine Lotus: “So well deserved Carla and Tom. Real people doing amazing work. So proud to call you friends and proud of the brilliant work you continue to do.”
Sandra Johnson: “Such a legacy they have created for their son and the whole town. Massively well deserved.”
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Hide AdLisa Walymart Peggie: So well deserved! Not only keeping Nathan’s memory alive but others too, as well as supporting local charities. Absolute heroes in their own right.”
Norma Wright: “Congratulations to you both. You have done Nathan proud and the City of Sunderland.”