Jon Beeton Fundraiser

on Jul 04 in Dubai Exiles RFC, Gulf Rugby, News tagged by

Anyone involved in Rugby in the Middle East would have heard about this tragic event but for anyone who has not – below is a short letter from the Chairman of the Dubai Exiles RFC along with a flyer advertising a fundraising event to be held on July 8th. Donations can be made by Bank Transfer Cash or Cheque which must state “BEETON” to:

Bank Details

  • Account Name:                          Dubai Exiles RFC
  • Account Number:                      020-518403-001
  • Bank Name:                                 HSBC
  • Branch:                                         Bur Dubai
  • Bank code:                                    BBMEAEAD

From the Chairman

Dear Members,

I am writing to brief you on a tragic event that occurred recently when one of our club members, Jonathan Beeton (‘Studente’ to his friends), was critically hurt in an accident. This note is not only to brief you but to ask for your help and support next week.

In short, Jon received his injuries when he fell on a boating trip with some friends. As a consequence of that fall, he suffered severe head and neck injuries and he now lies in hospital in Dubai where he has never regained consciousness since his accident. Expert medical opinion from the UAE and overseas specialists is that Jon will never regain consciousness and that he is expected to pass away peacefully in the next few weeks. This is a tragic accident which has left his young wife Tammy, family, friends, work and rugby colleagues stunned and shocked. Jon is from South Africa and is a stalwart of the Club Men’s Section where he played last season at Centre for the 1st XV. This year he was awarded the Men’s Player of the Year Trophy which he received at our Annual Ball. Some of you may also remember his storming run for the UAE side up the field against Japan from which the team so nearly scored against world class opposition.

The Men’s Section of DERFC, led by Mike Cox-Hill and Dave Vittes, are currently organising an event on Friday 8th July at the Sevens which will consist of a brunch, an auction, a raffle and a rugby match between a ‘Studente XV’ and a ‘UAE XV’. The purpose of this event is to raise funds to help Tammy and Jon’s family cover costs incurred through this incredibly difficult time, to cover future appropriate expenses and also to donate monies to a charity of Tammy’s choosing. The rugby community around the world is known for its cohesiveness, loyalty and generosity in good times and bad. I implore you all to get behind this event and to attend/support wherever and however you can and before we all disappear on summer holidays. Full details of this event will be sent via Club Hub and also via national media soon.

Jon has given his all for our Club and his adopted Country on and off the rugby pitch. It’s now time for us, the members of his Exiles family, to do the same for him and his dependents.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Mike Wolff

Chairman

DERFC