Tributes for Leeds student killed in Malaysia Airlines crash

Tributes have poured in for an “inspirational and loved” Leeds student named as one of the British nationals who died when flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine.

Richard Mayne, who was studying maths and finance, was one of 298 people who were killed when the plane was shot down by a missile.

The 20-year-old is originally from Leicester and played outside centre for Market Bosworth rugby club and had raised thousands for charity.

Birmingham Tab editor and good friend Harry Yorke paid tribute to “a great lad and a top friend”.

He said: “Richard Mayne was a great lad and a top friend, and I feel privileged to have known him. I still can’t believe the way in which you’ve left us, but I’m glad you got to spend one of your last nights with the boys that loved you as a team mate, a brother and a friend.

“I’m sure I speak for all of the boys when I say it was a pleasure to have known you, and you will be dearly missed by all. Whenever I put on the blue and yellow again, I will be thinking of you and the times we all have had together.

“Thank you for everything Rich, my deepest sympathies go out to your friends, family and all those suffering from flight MH17.”

Richard was traveling out to Australia for his year abroad. He had recently returned from Nepal where he raised thousands of pounds for a poverty charity by trekking to the Mt Everest base camp.

He wrote on his Just Giving page: “This trek is in aid of the UK charity “Kidasha” who support disadvantaged and vulnerable children in Nepal.  

“Their work directly improves children and families immediate situations as well as helping to create a positive future for them. Nepal is one of Asia’s poorest countries and it’s estimated that 40% of Nepali people live in poverty. Kidasha aims to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion in which they are trapped.”

Paying tribute to Richard on her Twitter account @scar14, cousin Scarlett said: “Thank you for all the condolences. I will never understand why our beautiful Richard was taken from us. He will remain forever loved #MH17”

Friend Billy De-Haven called Richard a “Very inspirational gentleman”.

He said: “I am so grateful of the times we shared together. Ever since we we’re 3 years old we have had each other’s back through any obstacles life threw at us. He was such a kind, happy amazing character who deserved so much more.

“He always wanted to live life to it’s fullest and enjoy every single day. Having just climbed to base camp of Mount Everest, he had such an exiting life ahead of him and will truly be missed by hundreds of people. Rip to a friend, a brother and a very inspirational gentleman.”

Friends also rushed to pay tribute to the popular student, with Christopher Chadburn adding: “@LeedsUniUnion great friend and @UniversityLeeds maths and finance undergraduate Richard Mayne killed in flight MH17 yesterday. #MH17 #RIP”

And Charles Platts ‏said: “The tributes to Richard Mayne are heartwarming. A lad who is unanimously well respected and loved. #BozzyBoys”.

A spokesperson for the University of Leeds said: “We are very saddened to hear the news that one of our students, Richard Mayne, is believed to be a passenger on the flight.

“Our thoughts are with Richard’s family and friends. Richard had just finished his second year in maths and finance and he was doing well with his studies.

“Staff are working with the University’s counselling service to help students who are affected by this tragedy and we will do all we can to support them.”