Hockey Match Honours Clutha Victims

26 November 2014, 10:00

Police officers are to face firefighters in a charity ice hockey match to mark the first anniversary of the Clutha helicopter crash which claimed 10 lives.

The officers, who are part of the Scottish Police Ice Hockey Section, will take on the UK Fire-fighter Ice Hockey Team in a match at Braehead Arena near Glasgow on Saturday.

Pilot David Traill, who was attached to the Police Scotland air support unit, and police constables Tony Collins and Kirsty Nelis were killed when the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed onto the Clutha bar at around 10.25pm on November 29.

The popular venue was hosting a live band and was packed with customers on the Friday evening.

Those killed in the pub were John McGarrigle, Mark O'Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins, and Samuel McGhee. Joe Cusker was pulled from the wreckage alive but later died in hospital.

The match on Saturday is being held to commemorate all those who lost their lives in the disaster and to recognise the efforts of everyone in the emergency services who were involved.

And £1 from every ticket sold will be split and donated to The Scottish Police Benevolent Fund and The Fire-fighter's Charity.

Constable Adam Wilkie, of Police Scotland and of the Scottish Police Ice Hockey team, said: "The events that night will be forever etched on the memories of all involved, from the families who lost their loved ones in such tragic circumstances to everyone who supported the emergency services that evening and beyond and of course the people of Glasgow.

"We're keen to recognise and pay tribute to those involved in the disaster by hosting this hockey match to raise much needed funds for two very deserving charities. We hope to raise as much money as possible so they can continue to provide essential support to others.''

"Both Braehead Clan and Braehead Arena have been fantastic, and we've been very pleased they've been able to support us in our efforts. Regardless of the final score on the night, the event is being held to pay tribute to all who lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.''

An accident report found that both engines on the aircraft failed but did not point to an exact cause of the crash.

There will be a prize raffle at Saturday's event and spectators will be able to buy a variety of gifts and items which have been donated by local businesses and shops.

Paul Morgan, of the UK Fire-fighter Ice Hockey Team, said: "The UK Fire-fighters team are looking forward to this, our first game against the Scottish Police team.

"We are pleased to be helping to raise money for the charities. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who perished following the tragic accident last year.''