By Lisa Ramsden
MESSAGES of sympathy have poured in for the family and friends of a Ballynahinch teenager who died last week.
The funeral service for Charlie Jamison, who was a Year 12 pupil at The High School in Ballynahinch, took place at Ballynahinch Congregational Church on Monday.
Charlie, who is described in a family post as a “dearly beloved son”, a “much loved brother” and a “dear grandson”, was also a valued member of his local rugby club, where he was a member of its U16 team.
In a statement shared online, a spokesperson for Ballynahinch RFC said Saturday’s youth matches had been called off as a mark of respect.
A club representative posted: ‘The President, Council and members of Ballynahinch RFC are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of U16 player Charlie Jamison. Sincere condolences to the entire family circle at this extremely difficult time.’
It also confirmed that the club’s welfare officer was available for any of the youth players who are struggling to come to terms with Charlie’s passing.
The post, which also included a photograph of Charlie in a recent match, plus one showing its flag lowered and flying at half-mast, prompted a large number of tributes to the local teenager, as well as messages of sympathy to his family and friends.
Rugby clubs from across the country also extended their sympathies, including those in Newry, Ballyclare, Portadown, Newtownards, Banbridge, Lisburn and Carrickfergus; as did Belfast’s Instonians, Cooke and Malone rugby clubs.
One of the moving posts, written by a representative of Portadown Rugby Club, acknowledged the ‘devastating news’ of the teenager’s sudden passing.
It continued: ‘Our deepest thoughts and condolences are first and foremost with Charlie’s family and loved ones. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this, and we can only imagine the heartbreak they are facing.
‘We are also thinking of Charlie’s teammates, coaches, friends, members and the entire Ballynahinch RFC community. A rugby club is more than a team, it is a family, and when one club suffers such a devastating loss, the wider rugby community feels it too.
‘Today, club colours and rivalries mean nothing. We stand together as one rugby family, sending all our love, strength and support to Charlie’s family and to everyone at Ballynahinch RFC in the difficult days ahead. ‘We are truly heartbroken for you all.’
Charlie is survived by his parents Naomi and Gary, brothers Zach and Ben and wider family circle, including his grandmother, Mrs Sadie Watson.
His family have requested that donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, are made to Almost Home Animal Rescue NI via www.charlesrourkeandsons.com.
