Family tribute to crash victim (From Oxford Mail)

Family tribute to crash victim

2:44pm Thursday 3rd September 2009 in Search By Jen Rivett

LOVED ones of a teenager killed in a car crash got together for a game of cricket in his memory.

The first Greg Barrett Memorial Match was held at Shipton-under-Wychwood Cricket Club.

Dad, Jon Barrett, uncles and cousins of 18-year-old Greg drew in the match against the young cricketer’s former team mates. Friends and family then enjoyed a barbecue.

Mr Barrett, who scored a 50 during the game, said: “Greg would have enjoyed the spirit of the game.”

Greg, a former Burford School head boy, died in a car accident in Cadnam, Hampshire, on the way to a trip to the Dorset coast in September 2004.

Greg’s sister, Barrett, of Shipton-under-Wychwood, said: “It’s great the fact that we have got all of the family here together, aged from 13 to my dad, who is in his 50s. All of the close family played. and in the other team there were some of Greg’s ex-team mates.

“It was really jolly. We don’t like to bring it down, but like to keep it happy.

“It was nice to have everyone together. Everyone was really happy.” Since the sports-mad teenager’s funeral, the Greg Barrett Memorial Fund has been set up to raise money for sports equipment in schools.

Money raised so far has been used to purchase cricket nets and high-jump mats at Burford School.

Miss Barrett, 21, added about her brother: “He was very sporty — he played county cricket, rugby, and was a good swimmer.

“The memorial fund is to promote sport for girls and boys.”