Dubai: A rugby fundraiser for Jonathan Beeton, the UAE and Dubai Exiles centre critically injured in a boat fall at a friend's birthday party on June 17, will be held on July 8 at The Sevens Stadium.
Beeton, aged 27, a site engineer from Durban, South Africa, known to his friend's as ‘Studente' remains on a life support machine at Rashid Hospital with zero brain activity having broken his neck. Doctors believe he will never regain conciousness.
A statement from the UAE RA said: "This is a tragic accident which has left Jon's young wife of six months Tammy, his family, his friends, his work and rugby colleagues both stunned and shocked."
Having only just gained eligibility to represent the newly-formed UAE national team, Beeton went on to play for the country in all six of their most recent Asian Five Nations matches (and previous friendlies) where the UAE finished third. He was adjudged to be a "stand-out performer" according to the A5N website and so nearly scored a try against world-class Japan, when the UAE lost 111-0. A picture of ‘Studente' getting the better of the Cherry Blossoms has since gone viral in support of the star.
For his club, Dubai Exiles, with whom he's given four years service, he was awarded Player of the Season for 2010/11.
Exiles, led by Mike Cox-Hill and Dave Vittes, are organising the fund-raiser on Friday at The Sevens. It will consist of a brunch followed by a match between Exiles and the UAE National side.
The brunch will start at 3pm where an auction of sporting memorabilia and a raffle prize draw will take place. Prizes will include the chance to win a guaranteed place in the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am Tournament (donated by Emirates NBD) and two Business Class flights to Europe, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand (courtesy of Emirates airline). The rugby match will kick-off at 7.30pm.
