NFU expresses sadness at murder of Cumbrian farmer

Garry Purdham was trimming hedges with his uncle near the village of Gosforth on Wednesday morning when Derrick Bird drove past, wound down his car window and shot him at close range, according to local residents.

Mr Purdham, who farmed beef and sheep near Gosforth, was in his early 30s and married with two young children. The farmer’s son, a member of the NFU Broughton-in-Furness branch, was also a former rugby league player whose clubs included Workington Town.

He was one of 12 victims as Mr Bird, a 52-year-old taxi driver, drove around Cumbria shooting indiscriminately before taking his own life.

NFU North West regional director Robert Sheasby said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened in Cumbria. Shootings of this nature are simply horrific.

“Losing someone from the farming community is always hard to bear but to lose them in such a brutal way is unthinkable.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”

Workington Town Rugby League Club, chairman Dave Bowden described Mr Purdham as ‘a gentleman and a real pleasure to know’.

He said: “As a player he was as honest and industrious on the pitch as indeed he was off it. He would think nothing of doing a stint on the farm before turning up to play professional rugby league.

“He had the respect of the whole rugby league community in West Cumbria, and will be missed by all involved in it.

“Our thoughts and very much with all Garry’s family at this very sad time.”

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name