Jason Francis: Friends organise charity rugby tournament for Shropshire sportsman killed in Australia crash
The devastated friends of a Shropshire man who was killed in a crash in Australia will hold a charity rugby tournament in his memory on Saturday.
More than 70 people will be taking part in the tournament at Bridgnorth Rugby Club in memory of Jason Francis and his long-term partner Alice Robinson. Many more are expected to turn out to watch.
Jason was killed when he was hit by a vehicle in Perth on Saturday, with a heartbroken Alice dying less than 24 hours later.
People who knew the couple have come together to raise more than 35,000 Australian dollars (£19,500).
Ian George, who is organising the tournament, said: “We do one every Boxing Day, but this year, with the tragic news of Jason and Alice, we thought it’d be a fantastic opportunity to do something for them.
“There’s that many people in Bridgnorth and the surrounding area that want to be involved.
“As nice a lad as you would ever like to meet. Never had a bad word to say about anyone. Always had a big smile on his face. He’d walk into the room and lift the atmosphere.
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“I’ve known his for years. He grew up with my children. It’s just so sad.”
Ian said the news spread quickly around Bridgnorth, with everybody stopping to share their memories of Jason.
“You can’t walk through Bridgnorth without people wanting to talk about it,” Ian said. “There’s going to be a lot of tears on Saturday – but it’s a celebration of his life.
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“Whatever he did he was passionate about it. He could have played for top clubs.
“The match started out between Bridgnorth and Newport, because he played for Newport for a while. Then Bridgnorth Cricket Club wanted to get involved, and some of his mates from the RAF and his school friends. We’ve got 60 or 70 people wanting to play rugby on Saturday, and that’s without people watching.”
People will start to gather at Bridgnorth Rugby Club on Saturday from about midday. The matches will begin at 1.30pm.
To donate to the fundraising click here
