DESPITE bad weather, there was a massive show of support for a charity football event at Woolmer Hill sports ground in memory of teenager Jasmine Bush, who sadly died in a rail accident in August.

Determined “Jaz” should not be forgotten, three family friends Ben Susans, Carl Thayre and Adam Bicknell, mounted the fundraising football tournament, in which her old team played, and also family members wearing specially sponsored kit.

Jaz (left) died following a long battle with depression and anxiety and the event, which included a raffle and auction, was held in aid of the Surrey branch of The National Autistic Society and the mental health charity Young Minds.

“We have raised an amazing £7,500 so far and are expecting that to increase,” Mr Susans said.

“The weather was awful but hundreds of people turned up. We raised loads of money and loads of awareness. A massive thank-you to everyone involved.”

In a statement, Jaz’s family – parents Ian and Nicky, and her brothers Josh and Jordan – from Haslemere, said: “We would a to say a huge thank-you to everybody that helped behind the scenes for making Jaz’s football charity day possible.

“A special thank-you goes to Carl Thayre, Ben Susans, Adam Bicknell and Lisa Hatchell, and all that have taken it upon themselves to organise this special day.”

The family also thanked everyone that had so generously contributed, helped out and donated for two worthwhile causes – the National Autistic Society (Surrey Branch) and Young Minds.

They added: “The family would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that depression, anxiety and mental health is an ongoing issue with our younger generation, and that if you are suffering, we would urge you to get the help and support you so deserve.”

•Donations are still welcomed at: www.justgiving.com/teams/jazbush