For heartbroken family of young footballer Jenson
Thousands raised
ALMOST £12,000 has been raised by a community left “heartbroken” after the death of an eightyear-old killed when a car crashed into a tree.
Jenson Evans died when a blue Seat Altea crashed into a tree on Thursday on an unnamed road near Talbot Green known locally as the Smilog Forestry Road.
The eight-year-old was with his family at the time of the crash. His parents and younger brother have been released from hospital where his elder brother remained on Friday.
To support his family more than £11,700 has been raised in four days through an online fundraising page by more than 530 people.
The page, which was set up by Lisa Bruford, reads: “The whole community is heartbroken with the loss of little Jenson.”
The fundraiser aims to raise £12,000.
X Factor finalist Lloyd Macey also paid tribute to Jenson on Twitter by sharing a picture of a candle captioned: “Light a candle for Jenson”. The image has been widely used on social media.
Ynyshir and Wattstown BYCFC have described the primary school pupil as a “super little footballer”.
A statement posted on the club’s Facebook page read: “On behalf of myself and all our football coaches and members we send our truly heartfelt condolences.
“Jenson was a super, super little footballer who was a pleasure to coach and a little gentleman who always had a smile on his face.
“We were proud to have him in our club and he will always be remembered.”
A donation for £250 was also given by the club on the fundraising page.
A statement with the donation said: “There are no words to describe how sad we all feel and can’t begin to imagine how you and your family are feeling.”
A tribute has also been paid by Wattstown RFC who described Jenson as “our little Tee Boy”.
Collection buckets for the family were carried at rugby matches including Ystrad RFC’s game against Porth Harlequins RFC at Gelligaled Field and in Treorchy.
A statement released by Jenson’s family through South Wales Police described him as a “beautiful cheeky chap”.
It said: “Our beautiful cheeky chap Jenson, so sweet, loving and placid.
“There are no words great enough to describe our love for you and the loss we feel, never happier than outdoors playing and usually covered in mud from playing football, you were football mad.
“We will miss those night-time cwtches and your kiss before bed.
“An amazing son, brother, grandson and great grandson, cousin, nephew and friend we will miss you forever.”
Police are looking to speak to anyone who saw the crash or who stopped to provide assistance or drove on the road around the time.
They should call the South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 1700504610.