Terminally ill Charlie Dawson opens Cancer Research UK's modern new look retail outlet in Aberdeen
A dad diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour three months after getting married has opened a new Aberdeen charity shop.
Charlie Dawson was at the official opening of the new Cancer Research UK shop in the city’s Union Street and shared the task of cutting the ribbon with Professor Anne Donaldson who leads a team of research scientists at the University of Aberdeen.
The new store, which boasts a fresh look with white floors and brightly coloured lampshades, has an upmarket, contemporary feel and aims to sell high quality items.
Charlie, a former assistant driller for off-shore company Odjfell, attended the opening event with his wife Christine, 24, and two-year-old son, Carter.
The couple married in August 2013 were devastated when tests revealed a tumour on an area of his brain that could not be operated on.
Charlie said: “All my life I’ve been able to fix things but I couldn’t with this.
“My first reaction was to ask the doctor, ‘when can you fix me?’ but the doctor told me he couldn’t.
“But I’m going to fight this as long as I can. I don’t want to let this beat me. I’m determined to keep going and enjoy life with my family who I love so much.
“Carter is too young to know what’s going on but I’d love to see him go to school. It’s great to be asked to open this lovely new shop and to support a charity which is so close to my heart.”
All my life I’ve been able to fix things but I couldn’t fix this - Charlie Dawson
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy failed to slow the spread of the tumour and last October Charlie Dawson told his story to the nation on Stand Up To Cancer, a live programme on Channel 4 hosted by Davina McCall and Alan Carr which raised more than £15 million pounds for Cancer Research UK.
Professor Donaldson said: “It’s a privilege to be asked to help open this new flagship Cancer Research UK shop.
“It will be a great addition to Aberdeen and the shop is very tempting. It is only through the support Cancer Research UK receives from the public that we can take forward the science needed to tackle the disease.”
The new shop has an inspiration board where supporters can write their own story of how they or a loved one have come through cancer.
