THE funeral will take place today of a Lochmaben lad who raised over £69k for cancer research as he battled his own illness.
The much-loved footballer Charlie Watson died last Thursday at the age of 20, from nodular malignant melanoma which is a stage four cancer.
His funeral will be held at the Crichton Church in Dumfries this afternoon.
Charlie’s heartbroken mum, Amanda Woods, posted the tragic news on fundraising page – Charlie Boys’ Cancer Fundraiser – which was set up when he was diagnosed to help find a cure.
She wrote: “We are beyond proud of the journey our Charlie boy has fought. We are devastated and absolutely heartbroken, we can’t even believe we are writing this, however our beautiful Charlie passed away at home.
“He never understood the impact he had on so many people all over the world. You may not not be here now but you will always be with us.”
Her poignant message sparked an outpouring of grief, with nearly 1000 comments left on the page in the last few days.
And the total on his fundraiser now stands at £69,971, including donations coming in over the past week from Gretna 2008, Sanquhar Golf Club and DGRI Pharmacy Department.
On Tuesday night, Charlie – who continued to play for his football side Threave Rovers whilst receiving treatment – was remembered by the football community as hundreds gathered at Meadow Park to pay their respects.
Amanda was there and has praised the event, saying: “It was an amazing tribute and turnout for our boy.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Charlie will forever live in our hearts.”
This weekend, yet more money will be raised for Charlie’s fundraiser at the ‘Forever 16’ football match in Moffat. It is played annually in memory of teenagers Finlay Johns, Ian Cannon and Tyler Johnston and organiser Jimmy Tester has said all the 2025 proceeds will go to Charlie’s fundraiser.
Throughout his journey, Charlie and his family raised awareness about his cancer, warning others of the dangers associated with sun beds.
It was in summer 2023 that a mole first appeared on Charlie’s abdomen and he was subsequently diagnosed with nodular malignant melanoma.
The mole grew to about one inch in size before it peeled and fell off, then Charlie had the remainder removed two months later.
But further lab examination revealed he had nodular malignant melanoma – a dangerous and fast-growing type of skin cancer.
And the disease quickly spread to his lung, liver and latterly other parts of his body.
He documented his condition and treatment on social media and since his death, thousands of people have left tributes to brave Charlie. This includes football clubs across the country, some of which can be read on our back page.
