Wrekin-News-184

CHARLIE HAS
grasped the opportunity
and after
making the twice
weekly trips to St Helens has
landed a Scholarship with
the famous rugby league
club.
“We’re overjoyed,” said a
very proud mum, Maxine.
“Charlie is the youngest of
five and he loves nothing
better than being on a rugby
pitch. He has always played
for his local team, Newport
Rugby Club but that is rugby
union, St Helens play the
rugby league format.
“He’s won the scholarship
despite fierce competition
for places. More than
150 boys were trying their
best to get accepted and
More than 150 boys were
trying their best to get accepted
and Charlie, who plays on
the wing, came through –
we couldn’t be prouder!
Charlie, who plays on the
wing, came through – we
couldn’t be prouder!”
But behind this tale of
success is a deeply concerning
parallel story of
Charlie’s dad, Mark, who
was diagnosed with cancer
whilst all this was going on.
“Yes,” continued Maxine.
“On the one side we
driving to St Helens twice a
week and Mark was making
> Charlie was offered the trial while
playing for Burton Borough School.
regular hospital visits having
treatment for his cancer.
“Mark was determined
that his illness wasn’t going
to stand in the way of
Charlie’s dream; he even redecorated
his bedroom as a
statement to his son.”
The good news is that
Charlie has won his scholarship
and Mark, although it
is very early days, is showing
signs of beating cancer.
Charlie and Mark have
bonded through their experiences
and Maxine couldn’t
be happier.
“We’re so happy for
Charlie,” she told me. “He’s
a lovely boy and being a
winger he has to be fast. He
has run 100 metres in 11.75
seconds and a friend managed
to get a message to
the great Kiwi ruby international,
Jonah Lumo. The big
man talks and encourages
Charlie through social media
and that is a great inspiration
for him.
The future looks bright for
young Charlie but he now
has to travel to St Helens
four times a week and will
play competitive matches
on the elite ground Langtree
Park. It is a long journey but
he has the opportunity and
he will be doing his very best
to make it as a professional
in a few years time.
> 14 year old Charlie Gamble and proud mum Maxine.
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk / 25