Latest news with #CharlieWatson
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
We want Olympic gold for Charlie. Scottish curlers to compete in memory of young footballer who lost skin cancer battle
TEAM GB 's men's curling team are determined to win Winter Olympic gold in memory of a young Scottish footballer who died after a battle with skin cancer. Charlie Watson, who continued playing for Threave Rovers despite his diagnosis, was a close family friend of curler Grant Hardie and an avid fan of the Scottish team skippered by Bruce Mouat. Watson, who passed away at the age of 20 two weeks ago, raised thousands of pounds for cancer research and hit the headlines when he played in a televised Scottish Cup clash against Stranraer last October. Hardie, part of the Scotland team who won the world championship in April, described Watson as 'a special individual', while team-mate Hammy McMillan said they will be fighting to win gold in his honour in Italy early next year. 'Charlie's mum and dad have sponsored our team for years and they're close family friends, so it's heartbreaking for all of us,' said Hardie, who was brought up in Dumfries. 'I was his stepdad's groomsman at his wedding, and we've known each other for a long time. 'We raised $10,000 for Charlie in our recent Battle of the Sexes match in Toronto organised by the Grand Slam of Curling. We played against Rachel Homan's Canada team — so it was the men's world No 1 men's team against the world No 1 women's team. The arena was sold out — with 4,000 people in attendance — and all the money went to our two charities. 'Charlie was meant to fly out to the event but, sadly, he couldn't manage because of his condition by then.' McMillan added: 'His mum and stepdad, Amanda and Richard, have been terrific supporters over the years. We've always kept in touch. Charlie said he couldn't thank us enough for what we'd done. He said it was just the best. It makes you upset, we would have done anything to help him. 'We will absolutely be fighting for gold for Charlie at next year's Olympics. His mum and stepdad have already booked tickets to come to Italy. Hopefully, we can do it for Charlie, and for all our families as well, that have supported our journey. That would top it all off.' Hardie said the young footballer had found great solace from the messages of support he received from around the country. 'Charlie had some lovely messages, including from Steven Gerrard and Duncan Ferguson. They were really nice, inspirational messages and gave him a lift. He really appreciated that. 'His mum had done so much research and had found a machine that targeted the treatment, so the money raised went towards that. Unfortunately, it was just a little too late by then, and the cancer had spread to his brain. 'Charlie was always so positive. He was always looking to find ways to defeat it. He fought so hard — right until the very end.' As well as honouring Watson, Team GB's men's curling team will be attempting to make history at the Winter Olympics. GB men haven't won gold at the event since 1924 when Willie Jackson, son Laurence, Robin Welsh and Tom Murray triumphed in Chamonix in France, in what was then a demonstration event. It wasn't until 2006 that curling was officially recognised as an event at the Games — and for Jackson's rink to be credited as Olympic champions. Should Team Mouat take gold they will arguably become Britain's best men's team of all time, having won two world championships and multiple other competitions domestically and worldwide. Chosen to lead the GB charge, the Scots narrowly missed out on gold to Sweden in the Olympic final at Beijing 2022. Mouat's confident they can go one better at Milano Cortina next February after a year of success at both World and European level. 'It's been a long journey. The last three years we've put a lot of work in to get to this point, and it's really satisfying to know we're now the team. That's where the hard work starts again,' said the 30-year-old. 'It's not just about being there, it's about coming home with the right colour of medal, after being so close last time. 'Losing in Beijing was very tough. Athletes often talk about the 'hangover' from an Olympics. It was pretty tough to get motivated to go back onto the ice after that, and to wrap your head around the dream you've had for so long, just not being the right colour of medal. I wanted to go to an Olympics, I achieved that, but I also wanted to bring back the gold medal and getting so close was really hard. It took me around six months to really want to be back on the ice. 'We did end up coming out the other side, and then won the World Championship (in Canada in April) in front of our families, which was extra special.' Mouat, who will be joined by McMillan, Hardie and Bobby Lammie in Italy next year, described the prospect of becoming the first British team since 1924 to win gold as 'pretty cool'. He said: 'We still have all that drive to want to go and win it. That's why we're putting so much effort in. I love playing with the guys and love my sport.' Mouat will pair up again in the mixed doubles with Jen Dodds, who won gold with Eve Muirhead's rink in Beijing and will this time join Rebecca Morrison, Sophie Jackson and Sophie Sinclair in Italy. He added: 'I'm also really fortunate that I've got another opportunity with Jen in the mixed doubles, so I'm really lucky to have the chance there as well to do it again.'
ITV News
13-06-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Football community pays tribute to 20-year-old player from Lochmaben who died after battling cancer
The footballing community have paid tribute to a 20-year-old footballer from Dumfries and Galloway who has died after a battle with cancer. Charlie Watson, from Lochmaben, was diagnosed with stage four skin cancer in 2023 but continued to play the sport he loved while undergoing chemotherapy. He played for Queen of the South and Dalbeattie Star before signing for Threave Rovers in 2024. They have described Charlie as an "absolute warrior" who was a "true inspiration." The West of Scotland league side said: "Charlie was more than just a player. He was an absolute warrior, a pillar of our club, and a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. "His strength, determination, and heart both on and off the pitch defined him, and his loss leaves a void that words cannot fill. "We will ensure his legacy lives on, honouring his memory in every way we can. "The entire club is devastated by this loss, but Charlie's spirit will forever remain a part of us." Charlie and his family have fundraised almost £70,000 to fund research into a cure for nodular malignant melanoma since his diagnosis. Posted on the Facebook Charlie Boys' Cancer Fundraiser, his mum said: "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 this morning. "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."
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Tributes paid to 20 y/o Scottish footballer who died after playing on through cancer fight
'He embodied everything it means to wear our badge with pride' Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Queen of the South and Threave Rovers have paid tribute to 20-year-old Charlie Watson, who has died after playing on through his skin cancer fight. Watson was diagnosed with stage four skin cancer while still playing with Queens and continued to play after joining Rovers last summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The West of Scotland League club said in a statement on their X account: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our midfielder, Charlie Watson, after his courageous battle with cancer. Threave Rovers' Charlie Watson on the ball during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup second round match against Stranraer at Meadow Park on October 25, 2024. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group 'Charlie was more than just a player. He was an absolute warrior, a pillar of our club, and a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His strength, determination, and heart both on and off the pitch defined him, his loss leaves a void that words cannot fill. 'Charlie's impact on the club is immeasurable. From his Scottish Cup goal against Vale of Leithen to his extraordinary performance against Stranraer on a famous night that will forever live in our memories, he embodied everything it means to wear our badge with pride.' The Castle Douglas club continued: 'Even after his playing days ended, his absence was deeply felt as he continued to be a source of friendship, leadership, and unwavering support. Our hearts go out to his family – Amanda, Richard, and his girlfriend Kathryn – who, like Charlie, are an integral part of our club. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We will ensure his legacy lives on, honouring his memory in every way we can. The entire club is devastated by this loss, but Charlie's spirit will forever remain a part of us.' Watson joined Queens in 2021 and was awarded the reserve coaches' player of the year award in 2024. Charlie Watson played on for over a year after a skin cancer diagnosis. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) | SNS Group A statement from the William Hill League 1 club read: 'However, in the background he had also been diagnosed with stage four skin cancer late in 2023, something most people were completely unaware of for a long time as he chose to bear it bravely and quietly. 'Remarkably, despite regular chemotherapy, he continued his football career and joined Threave Rovers in a permanent move in the summer of 2024. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He was a regular for Threave for most of last season despite the worsening of his illness, which was by then public and featured heavily in the build-up to Threave's televised Scottish Cup tie with Stranraer in October. 'Typically of the way Charlie fought his illness, he was combative that night, seeing a red card late in the game. 'As he fought the cancer he and his family, together with his team and most of the local football community also campaigned for more care to be taken with unusual moles and blemishes. His campaign raised vital funds for melanoma research. 'Charlie had many friends amongst the players and staff at Queen of the South still, as he did of course at Threave Rovers, Dalbeattie Star and every other club he previously played with. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our thoughts are with all of them but most especially with Charlie's mum, Amanda, and the rest of his family.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charlie Watson dies aged 19 as Queen of the South lead tributes to 'truly remarkable' former youth star
Former Queen of the South youth player Charlie Watson has sadly lost his battle with cancer. The 19-year-old, who most recently played with Threave Rovers, was diagnosed with skin cancer last year after discovering a mole following a holiday with pals to Magaluf. Advertisement However, Watson and his family received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his hip and spine, with doctors giving him only weeks to live. READ MORE: Emirhan Demircan 'rejects' Ranger transfer offer as Bayern Munich starlet links up with pricey Celtic flop instead READ MORE: Jens Berthel Askou named Motherwell manager as ex Copenhagen No. 2 wins battle for Fir Park job Charlie vowed to win his battle with the deadly illness, and was being helped to stick to strict diet by a nutritionist, with donations and support flooding in from family, friends and well wishers. However, Queens confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Charlie had passed away. Advertisement It read: "Everyone at Queen of the South is devastated to learn of the passing of former youth player Charlie Watson. "Charlie was not only a fantastic footballer but, more importantly, a truly remarkable person. He was hard-working, talented, and well-liked by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Threave players and management show their support for Charlie Watson after winning promotion -Credit:Galloway News "He fought bravely until the very end and inspired those around him with his courage and determination. "Through the creation of the Charlie Boys' Cancer Fundraiser, he also helped others by raising vital funds for melanoma research, development, and awareness. "Our thoughts are with Charlie's loved ones at this sad time." Advertisement Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Charlie Watson: Threave Rovers footballer who played on with cancer dies
A footballer from southern Scotland who played on with stage four cancer has died at the age of Watson, from Lochmaben, continued playing for Castle Douglas side Threave Rovers despite his skin cancer diagnosis.A campaign in his name has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a post on their fundraising page, his mother Amanda said: "We are beyond proud of the journey our Charlie boy has fought." She said the family was "devastated and absolutely heartbroken"."He never understood the impact he had on so many people all over the world," she added."You may not not be here now but you will always be with us."Charlie made headlines last year when playing in his club's Scottish Cup clash with Stranraer despite his of thousands of pounds have been raised in his name towards cancer research. His club, Threave Rovers, confirmed his death with "profound sadness"."Charlie was more than just a player," it said in a statement."He was an absolute warrior, a pillar of our club, and a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him."His strength, determination, and heart both on and off the pitch defined him, and his loss leaves a void that words cannot fill."It said his impact at the club had been "immeasurable"."Even after his playing days ended, his absence was deeply felt, as he continued to be a source of friendship, leadership, and unwavering support," it added. Queen of the South 'devastated' The club pledged to ensure his legacy lived on."The entire club is devastated by this loss, but Charlie's spirit will forever remain a part of us," it team Queen of the South said everyone at the club was "devastated" by the news."Charlie was not only a fantastic footballer but, more importantly, a truly remarkable person," it said in a statement."He was hard-working, talented, and well-liked by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him."He fought bravely until the very end and inspired those around him with his courage and determination."If you are affected by any of the issues in this article, visit BBC Action Line.
