Rugby cycle ride will pay tribute to former members and support local good causes

A charity cycle ride will commemorate the lives of 18 members of Bury Rugby Club who lost their lives in a plane crash 50 years ago. 

A total of 60 cyclists will set off next week on a six-day challenge cycling from just outside Paris to Suffolk – a distance spanning 390 miles.

The group will include eight children and four grandchildren of those who tragically died in the tragedy in Ermenonville in 1974 which claimed the lives of players, officials and supporters.

Organiser Austin Cornish said: “It is so important that we continue to keep their memories alive.

“The men who lost their lives are a special part of Bury Rugby Club and we are delighted to have so many family members joining us on this special ride.

“The club itself have been brilliant in paying tribute, over the last year and before that, and we now want to join them in paying our respects and supporting some wonderful charities in this 50th anniversary year.”

All riders will have the names of those who lost their lives on their riding jersey and Austin said this would act as huge inspiration for everyone taking part.

They include Gordon Ellis, whose father Brian was club chairman when he died in the crash, and Jules Arthur who will be flying to Suffolk from his home in San Diego to take part in the ride in memory of his father Brian.

Gordon said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to remember my father and all his friends who tragically lost their lives in Ermenonville. It also extends the bond between past and present members of the rugby club while also raising money for some fantastic causes.

“The rugby club has always been very respectful in remembering past members and they have been pretty amazing over the last year in commemorating the 50th  anniversary.” 

It will be the second time the charity challenge has taken place after £187,000 was raised to commemorate the 40th anniversary.

This year’s ride will raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care and a new all weather pitch at Bury Rugby Club.

He said: “The first ride in 2014 was very emotional but also an amazing event to be part of. It was hard work but it became a real community fundraiser. It is a very tough challenge and there will be some difficult moments when we think about why we are doing it and who we are doing it for.

“The longest day will see us ride 90 miles and most people are not keen cyclists, they just want to get involved, remember the guys and support the charities.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who has donated so far and to everyone who does so in the days to come. Every donation really does make a huge difference.

“We would like to also thank everyone who has supported the charity ride including volunteers, support vehicles and our corporate sponsors – Greene and Greene solicitors, Greene King, St Edmundsbury Wealth Management and Boortmalt.”

George Chilvers, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s community fundraising manager, added: “On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to wish all of the riders taking part in this incredible challenge the very best of luck.

“We’d like to thank Austin Cornish, Malcolm Leith and all of those who have worked behind the scenes to organise and support this memorial cycle ride. 

“We are so grateful that the ride will also support St Nic’s. The funds raised will make a huge difference to us and help us continue to provide vital care and support for local people at some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

The group will set off on Tuesday, September 10, and cycle between 60km and 150km every day and are due to arrive back at Bury Rugby Club on Sunday, September 15.

Last season, Bury Rugby Club dedicated their whole campaign to the victims – holding a memorial service and pre-game launch and wearing a special commemorative kit.

To sponsor the team of cyclists, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/memorialcycleride.