A group of players and members from Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club tragically killed in a plane crash in 1974 will be honoured with a memorial cycle ride.

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 50th anniversary since the tragedy, a memorial cycle ride will take place from September 10 to 15. 

Riders will cover more than 354 miles from Ermenonville via the Hook of Holland and Harwich, and back to Bury St Edmunds.

The event is supporting both the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club and St Nicholas Hospice and is sponsored by Greene & Greene Solicitors, Greene King and St Edmundsbury Wealth Management Ltd. 

Two of Greene & Greene Solicitor's partners, Hugo Greer-Walker and Jonathan Mathers, are also set to participate in the ride.

Hugo Greer-Walker and Jonathan Mathers Hugo Greer-Walker and Jonathan Mathers (Image: Greene & Greene Solicitors)

Simon Ratcliffe, managing partner, said: "We are honoured to sponsor the Memorial Cycle Ride 2024.

"This event not only pays tribute to those tragically killed 50 years ago but also brings together individuals for a cause that unites us all.

"We are also proud to support Hugo and Jonathan as they take on this epic challenge."

On March 3, 1974, 18 members were on a flight back to the UK after watching a rugby match in Paris. 

The plane had taken off from Orly Airport before, minutes later, it came down in the Ermenonville Forest. 

The 346 passengers and crew on board died in the crash, leaving ten Suffolk women widowed and 19 children fatherless.

Earlier this year, Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club held a service to remember the 18 men.

The Memorial Cycle Ride is open to participants of all ages and skill levels.

For more information about the event, including how to register or donate, visit memorialcycleride.co.uk.