Hundreds of friends, family and even total strangers ignored horrendous weather and gathered at Gyllyngvase Beach on Saturday afternoon where they released balloons in memory of teenager Sasha Watson who lost her brave battle against cancer only the week before.
The event had been organised by a group of Sasha’s closest friends who were carrying out the wishes of the 19-year-old who, they claim, would have had the last laugh as they stood in the torrential rain getting soaked to the skin.
Sasha, pictured, daughter of Michelle Bray and Chris Watson, and sister to Ria and Keita, who live at Goldenbank, passed away at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle with her parents at her bedside. She had been diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer only three days after her 17th birthday and died 19 days after her 19th birthday.
Almost immediately her friends, Sennen Lord, Lauren Pollard, Jake Riley, Joshua Blakeston, Indigo Patch and Richard Lamb began to put their plans for the balloon release into action and a posting on Facebook prompted more than 300 people to sign up to the event.
Even though the day started bright enough, by mid afternoon the skies had opened and torrential rain came down, but organisers were not deterred. “We had told everyone about it so we went ahead with it,” said Sennen, 20. “We expected a few close friends and family but everybody still came and it was lovely.
“Sasha always wanted a balloon release and wanted it to be for her friends and family so we chose Gyllyngvase but didn’t expect as many people. We just followed her wishes, she wanted something everyone could go to.
“It was not about saying goodbye, it was about sharing memories. She would have been proud.”
Lauren, 20, added: “I was surprised by the number of people who came down considering the weather. Sasha would be absolutely cracking up.”
About £80 was donated on the day which Sasha’s friends have given to “Michelle and her girls” for them to spend on some personal pampering. “They have put up with so much and are such brave people we would like them to have something to look forward to,” said Sennen.
In addition to the cash collection, glass jars had been dotted around on Saturday and friends were invited to write down memories and messages which have been passed on to Sasha’s family.
Sasha’s family attended the balloon release, but wanted to stay in the background. Her dad, Chris, said afterwards: “Sasha would’ve been lost for words today and that didn't happen very often. Proud of you all today, thank you.”
Sasha’s funeral service will take place at Budock Church at 2.30pm this afternoon, Thursday, and will be followed by interment in the neighbouring cemetery. Her family have asked mourners to wear bright colours and donations by retiring collection will go to Cornwall Hospice Care.
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