Commemorative Rugby Match for Teenager Bethany Branson

Family and friends of a teenager who died in a car accident will participate in a charity rugby match held in her remembrance. Bethany Branson, aged 19, passed away in November 2022 after the vehicle she was occupying was struck by a driver who had disregarded a red light. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday evening at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club, with proceeds benefiting St Giles Animal Welfare and Wooden Spoon. Ms. Branson had been a player for the club since she was 13 years old, and her father is set to officiate the game. This marks the second memorial match organized in Ms. Branson’s honor. Her mother, Amy, conveyed to BBC Radio Somerset that witnessing players journey from various parts of the country to participate would be “incredibly overwhelming and touching.” She recalled, “I stood back and watched from the stands last year and I was incredibly emotional just seeing all of those people… who had come out to support us and Bethany’s team.” Mrs. Branson further stated, “Bridgwater as a town can often be put down, but it has surrounded us with so much love and we are so incredibly grateful, and it’s as if they felt the horror of what happened on a road in our town.” Mrs. Branson also remarked, “Nothing will ever make life ok, but doing something so positively in her name and keeping her memory alive and her legacy going, and people speaking her name just means so much to us.” She concluded, “The judge summed her up saying she was destined for a life of giving, and we’re really just trying to continue that legacy of giving to others and doing for others, and this is what this match is about.” The teenager had volunteered for St Giles Animal Welfare, while her teammates selected Wooden Spoon, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable children through rugby. Readers can connect with BBC Somerset on Facebook and X, and submit story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content found on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.