In a heartfelt tribute to 18 members of the Bury Rugby Club who perished in a tragic plane crash 50 years ago, a charity bike ride is set to begin on Tuesday. The journey will cover 390 miles, with 60 cyclists participating, including the children and grandchildren of those who lost their lives in the crash. This event serves not only as a memorial but also as a means to raise funds for important causes.
The ill-fated flight, operated by Turkish Airlines, crashed shortly after take-off from Orly International Airport in Paris on March 3, 1974. The plane was en route to England, carrying 346 passengers, including the Bury Rugby Club members who had been returning from a France vs. England rugby match. Tragically, all individuals on board lost their lives when the aircraft went down in Ermenonville Forest, just outside the French capital.
Austin Cornish, who has organized the bike ride and lost his father Laurie in the crash, emphasized the significance of this event in preserving the memory of those who died. He stated, “It is crucial that we keep their memories alive,” reflecting the emotional weight of the occasion. The ride, starting near Paris and ending at Bury St Edmunds, aims to honor the victims and support charitable causes.
Participants will wear jerseys featuring the names of the crash victims, which Cornish believes will serve as a source of inspiration throughout the ride. Among those remembered is Gordon Ellis, whose father Brian was the club chairman at the time of the crash. Ellis expressed that the ride is a meaningful way to pay tribute to his father and fellow club members, while also strengthening the bond between past and present members of the rugby club.
This charity ride marks the second such event, following a previous ride that raised £187,000 for similar causes on the 40th anniversary of the crash. This year’s efforts will support St Nicholas Hospice Care and contribute to the development of a new all-weather pitch at Bury Rugby Club. The cyclists are expected to complete their journey and return to the club on Sunday, September 15. To contribute to the cause, donations can be made via the campaign’s JustGiving page.