Emotional bike ride honors dads lost in 1974 plane crash

In 1974, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of 18 members of a rugby club as they returned from a match in France. Fifty years later, eight sons of the victims participated in a memorial bike ride from the crash site near Paris to Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club. This emotional journey not only honored their fathers but also raised £200,000 for a local hospice and a new all-weather rugby pitch. The ride included three grandchildren, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy on multiple generations. Austin Cornish, the organizer and son of one of the victims, highlighted the importance of keeping the memories of those lost alive. He was only three years old when his father, Laurie, died in the crash. The event had a profound effect on the rugby club and the surrounding community, resulting in ten widows and 21 children losing their fathers. Each cyclist wore jerseys bearing the names of the deceased, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance. Among the participants was Gordon Ellis, whose father was the club chairman at the time of the accident, and Jules Arthur, who traveled from San Diego to honor his father. The camaraderie among the riders was a significant aspect of the event, as they supported each other through the emotional journey. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that the ride exceeded their expectations. The funds raised will contribute to important community projects, ensuring that the legacy of those lost in the crash continues to benefit future generations.