A fun football fundraiser is being held this month in memory of Melksham teenager Ben Smith, who died three years ago after being assaulted on a night out in Bath.
The event, on Sunday 27th April at Oakfield Stadium – home of Melksham Town FC – is being held to raise funds for the charities that supported Ben’s family after his death.
These include the Ben Saunders Foundation, which raises money for children and young adults with cancer; SmileForJoel, which supports families torn apart by murder and terrorism; and One Punch UK, which raises awareness about the devastation one punch can cause.
At six years old, Ben began playing football with Melksham Town Football Club’s youth team, which he continued for many years. During the fundraiser, there will be a football match between Ben’s former team and his brother’s team, with the coaches also taking part.
Following the match, there will be live music by the Tin Shack Band.
“Ben was only out that night looking after the girls and, sadly, doing that cost him his life,” explained his mum, Rachel. “As Ben’s parents, brother and grandmother, our lives are broken because he is no longer with us.
“One thing we can say, from us and all who knew Ben, is that we are extremely proud of what Ben stood for that night. It cost him his life, but he was doing what he always did – looking after others and doing the right thing.
“We are organising this in memory of our son, who should still be here. We have not been given justice for his death, and we wish to support the charities that supported us by remembering him and doing what he loved – playing football.”
The gates are due to open at 12pm, with kick-off at 2pm. A donation is welcome on entry.
