Bethany Branson: Rugby match to honour teenager raises more than 16k

Bethany Branson died at the scene of the collision in November 2022

A rugby match in memory of a 19-year-old girl who was killed in a car accident has raised £16,400.

Bethany Branson had been travelling on the A38 in Somerset with a friend when their car was involved in a fatal four-car collision in November 2022.

Her family wanted to do something positive to honour their "beautiful and brave" daughter.

The money will be donated to a children's rugby charity and an animal rescue centre.

Ms Branson was a keen rugby player and member of the Bridgwater & Albion RFC Ladies team.

On Friday more than 1,000 people turned up to a match in her honour at the club's ground against Wiveliscombe Ladies RFC, and her family hopes it will now become an annual tradition.

Ms Branson's former team mates played on Friday to honour her memory

Her mother Amy Branson said it "meant the world" to see so many attendees.

"There isn't a word in the English language that would sum up just how touched and overwhelmed we were that you all came out to support Bethany and us and her team last night, so we are sending our thanks and our gratitude and our love to every single one of you.

"It was definitely a night to remember," she said on Facebook.

The money will be divided between Wood Spoon Charity, an organisation which helps children through rugby, as well as St Giles Animal Rescue Centre in Taunton, where Ms Branson used to volunteer.

The match raised £16,400 in total

Mrs Branson added: "I have shed a few tears at how unbelievably amazing this truly is.

"To honour our beautiful little lady and to continue her legacy means everything to us."

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