Bridgwater family 'determined to keep teen's memory alive'

The family of a teenager who was killed in a car crash say they are "determined to keep her memory alive".

Bethany Branson, 19, died when a car she was in was hit by a driver who had run a red light last November.

Her family and friends are holding a rugby match, charity raffle and auction in her memory.

Speaking a year after her death, Ms Branson's mother Amy Branson said her daughter was the family's "legend".

"We are absolutely dreading the month of November but this is really helping to make us feel that we are still doing something positive in Bethany's name.

"We always said she was a legend, she was our legend and we are absolutely determined to keep her memory alive and to really keep her legacy going," Amy Branson said.

Ms Branson's parents hope her legacy will help to prevent people from driving dangerously.

Luke Hawkes, 28, was sentenced in January this year after admitting to causing Ms Branson's death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.

He was jailed for 10 years at Taunton Crown Court.

Ms Branson's loved ones have raised more than £10,000 in her memory.

"We feel so supported by our community and they have really come out in force," Amy Branson said.

The teenager was a keen rugby player and her team, Bridgwater & Albion RFC, will be playing a memorial match against Wiveliscombe RFC on Friday.

This will be followed by a charity raffle and auction.

Amongst the prizes and items are a signed rugby ball from Jonny Wilkinson, a signed shirt from ex-England fullback Danielle Waterman and a hot-air balloon ride for two.

The event will raise money for children's rugby charity The Wooden Spoon and St Giles Animal Rescue Centre - where Ms Branson was a volunteer.

"Bethany's rugby family are amazing," Amy Branson said.

She added: "They have kept us going in our darkest moments - they do everything they can to keep her memory alive.

"They've worked so hard with us on this memorial match to honour her and to show that she's still very much part of their club."

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