A big hearted Dumfries woman has organised a fundraising race night in aid of ex-Queen of the South youth player Charlie Watson.
The nineteen-year-old is battling stage four skin cancer but has still been turning out in midfield for Threave Rovers.
And Paula Whitefield, who prepares meals for Queens’ corporate hospitality and runs Palmerston pie stall on match days, has fixed up a race night which will take place at The Arena on November 15.
She said: “I got to know Charlie when he played as one of the youth players at the club.
“The lads often come in to the pie stall in the main stand on match day and ask if we need any help and he was one of them.
“It is awful what has happened to him and I just wanted to do something to help.
“The race night will take place in one of the big rooms at The Arena and hopefully we get at least 100 people.
“I have asked the club to help publicise the event and they have been really good and put it on their social media.”
Queens put up an article on their official website saying: “Our race night for Charlie Boy’s Cancer Fundraiser takes place on November 15 at the QOS Arena!
“Tickets are £5 per person and every ticket bought will go into a raffle on the night with all proceeds from the night going towards the fundraising.
“We have an array of prizes available as well as food for all.
“All races are sponsored and we are looking forward to an amazing night for an amazing young man.”
Charlie, from Lochmaben, featured on a BBC Scotland programme last week ahead of Threave’s Scottish Cup second round tie with senior side Stranraer.
In a classic cup clash, Threave were 2-0 up before the Blues bounced back to win 3-2 in stoppage time – although Charlie was sent off for violent conduct before the winning goal.
His manager Danny Dunglinson said: “I am only in the door this season and Charlie was actually my first signing.
“I knew he was going through some health problems then and we were hopeful he was on the mend.
“But he has obviously experienced what he has now.
“Charlie doesn’t want to be treated any differently and he is just one of the boys.
“He’s the life and soul of the dressing room and on the training pitch.
“And you cannot do a training session without Charlie rugby tackling somebody, or picking the ball up or messing about.”