Rugby Memorial Match for Bethany Branson Generates £10,500 for Charities

The mother of Bethany Branson, a 19-year-old who died in a car crash, described a rugby match organized in her honor as “unbelievably amazing”. Ms. Branson passed away in November 2022 when the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck by a driver who disregarded a red light. Held at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club, the event successfully collected £10,500, which will be donated to two charitable organizations. Bethany Branson had been a player for the club since she was 13 years old. Amy Branson, the teenager’s mother, commented on the attendance, stating: “Hundreds upon hundreds of people filled the stands on Friday night, I got very emotional.” This memorial match marked the second such event organized in the teenager’s remembrance. The funds generated from the event are designated for St Giles Animal Welfare, an organization where Bethany Branson volunteered, and Wooden Spoon, a group dedicated to assisting vulnerable children through the sport of rugby. Amy Branson further expressed: “Keeping Bethany’s memory alive and legacy going is what I live for.” She added, referring to the club’s female players: “Her Bridgwater and Albion ladies keep us going. There are days when they are the reason that I have got out of bed.” Branson concluded: “They are working so hard to keep her name out there. It would be so easy for those young girls to move on and they haven’t.”