A group of cyclists are gearing up for a six-day cycling challenge in memory of Bury Rugby Club members who died in a plane crash 50 years ago.
Eighteen members of Bury St Edmunds Rugby Union Football Club died on March 3, 1974, when a Turkish Airlines plane crashed into the Ermenonville Forest, near Paris.
To mark the half-century anniversary, 60 cyclists will set off on Tuesday, September 10 on a six-day challenge from just outside of Paris to Suffolk - some 390 miles.
The group will include eight children and four grandchildren of those who died in the tragedy.
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."
The riders will have the names of those who died on their jerseys to serve as inspiration.
Riders 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.
Mr Ellis 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.
George Chilvers, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s community fundraising manager, said: “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."
To sponsor the team of cyclists, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/memorialcycleride.
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