Charlie’s Story:

On the evening of the 22nd of July 2023, my friend, Charlie, just 17 years old, was brutally and senselessly attacked and stabbed multiple times in an act of unimaginable violence. The early hours of the 23rd of July brought a knock on the door that would shatter his family's world. The police were standing on the doorstep, delivering the most devastating news any parent might have to face: Charlie had sustained life-threatening injuries and wasn't expected to survive.

Rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, Charlie sustained a traumatic cardiac arrest along the way. Despite this, he made it to the hospital through the remarkable skills and incessant efforts of the attending paramedics and doctors. A selfless team worked hour after hour to save his life, including life-saving surgery in the most desperate attempt to keep hope alive.

But Charlie's injuries proved to be just too grave despite their heroic efforts. He underwent multiple operations, including an emergency surgery on his brain, but the lack of oxygen to his brain had caused irreparable damage. Charlie died on the evening of the 25th of July with his family and closest friends by his side, holding his hand and telling him how much they loved him.

While Charlie lay on life support, his dad, Martin, made a vow that will continue to resonate. Leaning close to his son, he whispered a promise: a promise to honour Charlie’s memory by fighting to raise awareness of knife crime and the unspeakable pain it causes. Such words were filled with grief but also with purpose - an unbreakable commitment to inspire change.

My Friend Charlie:

In so many ways, Charlie was the essence of a teenage boy. He loved the simple joys of life: playing the PlayStation with me until the small hours of the morning, going into town at the weekend with his mates, and never saying no to a kickabout on a warm summer's day.

But Charlie was more than that - he was special. His cheeky grin, the kind that could light up a room, was never far from his face, and he had an uncanny ability to make you laugh, no matter the situation. I’ll never forget the classes we shared, where he made it his mission to crack a joke at every opportunity, his laughter infectious, alongside his spirit.

Yet what truly made Charlie so loved wasn’t just his sense of humour; it was more his heart: gentle, compassionate, and selfless. He would always put others first, offering his time, ear, or shoulder to anyone in need. He made you feel valued, looked after, and never alone.

Charlie truly had dreams as big as his heart. He wanted to be Chelsea FC's head groundsman, and he had already started an apprenticeship as a groundskeeper at Charterhouse School. In the short time he spent there, he had made lasting friendships with his colleagues, who were drawn to his warmth. His future was full of promise.

And yet, in an act of incomprehensible cruelty, his life was stolen, leaving all of us who loved him with an unfillable void. It has been over a year since I last heard one of his jokes, saw his grin, or stayed up into the early hours playing games. The ache of his absence hasn’t faded, but neither has the joy in the memories we made.

Charlie's Promise:

On the 27th of April, I will be running the 2025 London Marathon to honour my late friend and support the charity that was set up in his name: Charlie's Promise. By donating to the charity through this page, you will be helping the charity to educate the youth, support victims of knife crime, and campaign for necessary change across the country.

Please refer to this website for more information as to how your donations will be used:

Charlie's Promise Charity Website