by Callum Ellis
ENGLAND will wear black armbands in their Twenty20 clash against South Africa in memory of a University of South Wales student.
Bethan James, who studied journalism at the university’s Atrium campus in Cardiff, suddenly passed away over the weekend.
Bethan is the daughter of former cricketer, Steve James, who played two Test matches for England and is now a cricket and rugby writer for The Telegraph.
And the former batsman’s team will pay tribute to the student by wearing black armbands against the Proteas at Buffalo Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The 21-year-old was in the final year of her studies and hoping to follow in her father’s footsteps in the industry. Fellow journalism students have been given a break from their academic studies for the remainder of the week and were met by the university’s chaplain Vaughan Rees on Tuesday.
While the students have also been offered counselling counselling sessions, as they try to come to terms with their loss.
Journalism course leader Craig Hooper said: “Bethan was a lovely person. She was very popular on the course and had a promising journalism career ahead of her.
“She’ll be greatly missed on the course, not only by her fellow students but by staff as well.”
Molly Gasson, who is a fellow third-year student, added: “Bethan was someone who was a constant light in our lives. We had so many moments where we lifted each other up through times of stress and I knew I could always talk to her if I needed to.
“Her positivity is one that will be missed and thought of everyday. She will forever be in my heart.”
Tributes from family and friends, as well as others from the sporting world, have poured in for the student on social media.
“So sorry Steve; nothing will be of comfort but thoughts with you all,” tweeted former England international Brian Moore.
Referee Nigel Owens said: “My sincere and deepest sympathy to you all as family and friends. God bless.”
