Caerphilly Rugby Club has donated £3,500 to a bereavement charity in memory of a young player who took his own life last year.
Talented hooker Owen Bennett died in July aged just 20.
He had risen through the ranks of Caerphilly RFC playing his junior, youth, and finally senior rugby at the club. He had recently joined Nelson RFC and had been due to star for the team this season in the Division One East league.
Following his shock death there was an outpouring of support with around £14,000 raised in his memory by the club, who organised a memorial match in which 2,500 people attended.
The club paid for Owen’s funeral and will also pay for a headstone. Funds have now been donated to charity 2 Wish Upon a Star, which provides bereavement support for families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child or young adult aged 25 years and under.
Paul Bennett, Owen’s father, said: “The family would like to thank everybody from the club, and the supporters, who have donated so generously to Owen’s cause. I cannot thank them enough. It has been overwhelming.”
Becky Jones, a family support co-ordinator with 2 Wish Upon a Star offered support to members of the club in the aftermath of Owen’s death.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer following the £3,500 donation, she thanked the club and said: “It is amazing. This money will go a long way to supporting bereaved families.
“It will provide hundreds of memory boxes to families and counselling sessions for families.