Bethan's Big Bash

In Memory of Bethan Watkinson

Fundraising for Children with Cancer UK
£770
raised
by 10 supporters
Event: In memory of Bethan Watkinson
In memory of Bethan Watkinson
We fund research into childhood cancer to save and improve young lives

Story

We could go on for hours, talking about everything our beautiful Bethan had done and achieved in her far too short a life, and of how unbelievably proud we were of her. She had made so many good friends in all the different areas of her life and she was overwhelmed by all the messages of support, videos and gifts she had received throughout the year she was ill.

There had been so many things Bethan was looking forward to in 2021 and beyond. So many rewards for her hard work. Yet she was never given the chance to enjoy them.

Bethan lost her battle with cancer on 24th October 2021, a day after her 14th birthday.

This site has been setup to raise funds for 'Children with Cancer UK' to aid awareness; enable more research; and most importantly support other families in their time of need. We have no doubt that Bethan would want to have supported this charity herself in person given the chance, and we will give our ongoing support to this cause in her memory.

We miss you Bethy, we always will...

....Mum, Dad and your loving Sister xx


Tribute by St Johns College, Southsea: 'Bethan was a remarkable young lady, and we are very lucky to have had her as part of our school. From a young age, Bethan was sensitive to those around her and always checking that everyone was ok. She never sought to be the centre of attention even though, given her many talents, she deserved to be so. She was well known at school and in the local community for her sporting prowess. Here at St John’s, she was an exemplary pupil, a keen artist and the kind of person who threw herself into everything that was on offer. Bethan was a natural leader who fully supported and cheered on her fellow pupils in Castle House and later Leo House. Not one to rest on her laurels, Bethan kept herself busy trying new things. Staff and pupils admired her positivity and her resilience. In her short life she touched the lives of so many and she will be greatly missed by all of us here.'

Tribute by Portsmouth Cricket Club: 'A valued member of Portsmouth Cricket Club since her league debut on 9th May 2016, for a mixed U9B side, and in doing so taking her first wicket against Havant. By the end of the summer on 18th July 2016 she played for The Mighty Under 9C Team and in that game partnered for a solid 30 runs. She was now playing cricket with the group of boys, her friends, with whom she would play so many more matches over the following years.

Bethan brought so much to the party as a cricketer. Skill, focus, a calm demeanour and of course "That Smile". She scored runs, took wickets and most of all was the safest pair of hands for a catch you'll ever see on a cricket pitch. Initially, as the only girl in a team of lively boys, she had the measure of them and was generous in her friendship with them. It took no time to gain their respect as a player. Top scoring and retiring 30 Not Out on 24th May 2019 v Locks Heath and 1 wicket for 24 off 3 and a run out was when Bethan, as a club player, was at the top of her game. Further scores including a 25, 22 and 23 that year, saw Bethan beat all the U11A boys to be first to a hundred runs for the season. She would finish in third place at the season’s close with 136 runs. The end of season match up with Portsmouth and Southsea that summer, saw her try out her new longer run up for the first time and best bowling figures of 4-2 was her reward. Bethan's flourishing club performances were rewarded with a place in the Hampshire U13 Girls Team.

Her battle with cancer ended after a summer of watching her sister Freya, The Happy Sunday XI and "Her Boys" compete in league games at St Helens. These times, we know, brought her great joy. There are many match reports embedded in the club website to reflect on, highlighting her playing career for Portsmouth Cricket Club and her character as a team player. Off the field, other memories that brought us joy was when it was her parents turn to provide the match tea and 6 boxes of Domino's Pizza arrived. How cool was that?

Her talent as an artist was also widely recognised. Portsmouth Cricket Club benefiting from bright and fun pieces enhancing the Pavilion. Eat, Sleep, Cricket, Repeat. Bethan, we will miss you dearly.

Safe Hands
Straight Drive
Team Player
Our Friend'

Tribute by Hampshire CB: 'It is with great sadness that we have to report that Vipers Champion and Cricket Without Boundaries supporter, Bethan Watkinson, died on Sunday 24th October after a battle with cancer. Bethan was a huge part of the women and girls cricket family in Hampshire, having played for Portsmouth CC since she was an under 9 and coming up through the Regional and County pathway.

Bethan was a talented bowler and useful bat, was an integral part of the County U11 squad for 2 years and had just been selected for the County U13s when she fell ill. A part of the Vipers Champions Programme, Bethan produced a fantastic batting video for girls in the Regional Cricket Performance programme to keep them busy during lockdown.

Bethan was also a supporter of the Hampshire Cricket Board Indatwa project, a programme in Rwanda that is empowering girls with life skills through cricket. The programme is organised through the charity Cricket Without Boundaries. Bethan’s batting video was also sent to Rwanda for the girls in the Indatwa team to use whilst they too were in lockdown.

Such an incredibly talented young lady, with such a beautiful smile.

Much loved by us all, Bethan will always be remembered and her time with us treasured.'

Tribute by TeamForce Netball: 'A message I never wanted to send. I am totally heartbroken to share that after months of battling, we lost our beautiful Bethan on 24th October. “B” joined us as one of the youngest members of the club. She was truly special to the club and to me; her smile was infectious, her desire to improve commendable, her loyalty and commitment unfailingly obvious, but most of all, she was the best team player any coach or teammate could ask for.

I can’t begin to imagine what her family are going through, but know that as a community, we will wrap our arms around the family, particularly little sister Freya and support everyone in this difficult time.

Bethan will be forever loved and always remembered.'

About the charity

At Children with Cancer UK we actively raise and invest money for vital specialist research to save the lives of every child with cancer and keep their family together. www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

Donation summary

Total raised
£770.00
+ £78.75 Gift Aid
Online donations
£770.00
Offline donations
£0.00

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