Running for Charlie!

A DUMFRIES man is set to push himself through the ultimate pain barrier in a 100-mile marathon mission for the best friend he lost to cancer. Adam Jamieson has vowed to tackle four<z8.200> marathons in as many days to keep the name of his “inseparable” pal, Charlie Watson, alive. Charlie’s story touched hearts across the world when he continued to play football for Threave Rovers despite a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis. Charlie sadly passed away last June aged only 20. And now Adam, also 20, is lacing up for the gruelling challenge in a moving nod to Charlie’s iconic number four jersey. And in a moving tribute, each of the four legs will finish at the home grounds of the teams Charlie proudly represented (Annan Athletic, Queen of the South, Dalbeattie Star and Threave). Adam’s mission is simple: to keep raising awareness and raise vital funds for the Charlie Boy Foundation. Adam said: “I’m doing this challenge because I know how much Charlie was loved and I want to show to everyone, and to Charlie above all, how much he was genuinely loved by everyone and how many people he was able to inspire throughout his journey. “I want to keep Charlie’s name alive and make this four days to remember and get people who were close to Charlie involved and show what an amazing community Charlie’s journey created. “I believe this will be a tough battle but no tougher than what Charlie had to go through, so I want to do it for him and to try and inspire others.” The pair met through the sport they loved, playing together for Annan Athletic at the under-13 level. What started as a partnership on the football pitch blossomed into a lifelong brotherhood. When Charlie was diagnosed with cancer that bond strengthened. Adam said: “Charlie and I originally met at football and became good friends. We then we went on holiday together to Magaluf and then grew super close. “We both got sent on loan to Dalbeattie Star together and then from there we were with each other all the time and we pretty much inseparable.” He added: “Charlie is my ‘why’, 110 per cent. All the memories of myself, him and the boys will all replay through my head when I’m running. “Charlie was my biggest fan, so I know he will be watching me from above cheering me on and cussing me out if I ever think about stopping. “Charlie repeatedly spoke about ‘Romans 8:18’, which is about a quote that goes ‘the pain which you are feeling is nothing compared to the joy which is coming’. This is a quote I think about a lot and I know that will be replaying in my head throughout.” Adam is inviting anyone who was close to Charlie – or anyone inspired by his story – to join him for segments of the run and to keep the energy high. Furthermore, he is seeking partnerships with businesses to sponsor the event. He said: “Any donations or shares, big or small, mean the absolute world. This is for the Charlie Boy Foundation, an amazing cause that is so close to home. “I am so grateful and unbelievably thankful for everyone who has shown their support.” To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-for-the-charlie-boy-foundation