Charlie's story
Our Charlie
Charlie was the happiest, cheekiest little boy with the most amazing smile. He had a competitive side when it came to football and games, but underneath it all he was the softest soul — kind, caring and loyal to everyone around him. He loved his friends, loved his football team and loved his family more than anything.
Chapter 01
Our boy
Football was Charlie's life. He played for Fairmuir 2015s — a team started by Charlie and his dad together — and he absolutely adored every second of it. From training nights to match days, football was where Charlie was happiest. He was also a huge Manchester City fan. One of the proudest moments of his life was becoming a mascot for the club he loved so much. He looked up to players like Haaland, Foden and Marmoush and dreamed of following in their footsteps one day. Away from football, Charlie loved gaming and was unbelievably good at it. Whether it was Fortnite, FIFA or anything else he picked up, he just seemed to naturally be amazing at it. Whatever Charlie turned his hand to, he gave it everything. Most importantly, Charlie was an incredible son, brother and friend. He had his mum and dad who loved him endlessly, his big brother Jack, his little sister Freya — who he shared such a special bond with — and his wee brother Finlay, who could always make him laugh. To us, he was simply the perfect little boy.
Chapter 02
His journey
On the 9th of June 2025, at only 10 years old, Charlie was diagnosed with DIPG — a rare and aggressive terminal brain tumour that changed our lives forever. Just one week later, Charlie began palliative radiotherapy treatment at The Beatson in Glasgow, where he underwent 13 rounds of radiation. No matter what he was facing, Charlie continued to amaze us every single day. Every time he came off that treatment table, he did it with the same huge smile on his face. The treatment successfully shrunk the tumour and gave us precious extra time together — time we will always be grateful for. During that time, we made as many memories together as we possibly could. We travelled to Spain, visited Disneyland Paris, spent time on the Isle of Bute and created countless special family moments that we will hold onto forever. And in true Charlie fashion, he didn't just stop there. Charlie returned to playing football for Fairmuir and continued playing right until the end of the season. In what would become his final game in December, Charlie scored a hat-trick — even though we already knew the tumour had started growing again. That was Charlie. Brave, determined and smiling through everything.
Chapter 03
Be More Charlie
On the 22nd of December, Charlie woke up paralysed down his left-hand side. After a trip to hospital and an ambulance transfer to Edinburgh, we were given the heartbreaking news that the tumour had grown again. We were thankfully able to get Charlie home for Christmas — something that meant everything to us as a family. Charlie spent his 11th birthday surrounded by the people who loved him most on the 26th of January 2026 before peacefully passing away at home on the 2nd of March 2026. Although Charlie's life was far too short, the impact he had on everyone around him was enormous. Be More Charlie was created to continue Charlie's name, spirit and legacy.
Be kind, be brave, love deeply, support each other, and live life with the same smile and strength Charlie showed every single day. 🩵