Appeal for crash family nearly at £12,000 target
ACOMMUNITY fundraising campaign to support the family of an eight-year-old who died in a car crash has nearly met its £12,000 target.
Football-mad Jenson Evans died when his family’s car crashed into a tree on an unnamed road, known locally as the Smilog Forestry Road, near Talbot Green on Thursday.
A JustGiving crowdfunding campaign set up to support the family of Jenson, described as a “beautiful cheeky chap”, has now raised more than £11,000.
The total includes £250 from Ynyshir and Wattstown BYCFC and £330 from Penrhiwfer AFC, as well as donations from more than 500 others.
On Saturday, AFC Wattstown held a minute’s silence in memory of Jenson before their game against Cwm Rhondda AFC.
A statement from the club issued yesterday read: “No words can describe this level of loss his parents and family will be feeling, as we all know, but to see the Rhondda communities and sporting teams unite in grief holds that flicker of hope.
“Massive respect to Wattstown RFC for yesterday’s efforts. The football equivalent offers their condolences also. Credit to Cwm Rhondda AFC during the silence.”
Another Facebook post said the news was “heartbreaking for the family of Jenson”, adding: “Total condolences and thoughts with you all from everyone at AFC Wattstown at this tragic time. RIP little man.”
A tribute has also been paid by Wattstown RFC who described Jenson as “our little Tee Boy”.
A Facebook post said balloons would be released before the club’s match on Friday to pay tribute to the schoolboy.
Bucket collections for the family were carried out 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: “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.”
Flowers remain at the scene of the crash on the road that runs from Pontyclun to Coed Ely.
South Wales Police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened, stopped to provide assistance, or drove on the road around the time of the incident at about 5.45pm on Thursday to come forward.
They can call the South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 1700504610.