A FATHER has helped raised thousands of pounds for a brain tumour charity in memory of his 19-year-old son who died from the disease.

Murray Watson was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour in his spinal cord in 2012. The once promising footballer was left paralysed and lost his fight against the aggressive cancer in 2013.

A trust which was set up to help Murray while he was alive has continued since his death, collecting money for charitable causes.

And now his father Kenny Watson has helped raise £6322 by walking the West Highland Way, along with former Leeds and Bradford footballer John Hendrie and fellow walkers Steve McFet, Chris Stones and Kev Mullen.

Kenny, who lives in Yeadon, said: “We were incredibly lucky to have had Murray as part of our lives for 19 years and with his and our friends support, we continue to raise money into the trust and help people, causes and charities that we know Murray would have felt passionate about.

“He always championed the underdog and when you read the facts about brain tumour research you will see why we raised funds for BTRS (Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire).”

The group of walkers had set out to raise a total of £3286 - a figure arrived at by adding together 1314 - Murray’s favourite number, 1966 - the year England won the World Cup, and 6 - the number he proudly wore on the back of his Guiseley Football shirt. In the end they almost doubled their target with their walk from Milngavie to Fort William.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The BTRS Team were completely blown away by this incredible total and overwhelmed by the wonderful support from Kenny and his friends and family.”

Murray was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, shortly after completing his A-levels at Guiseley School. He had been planning to go to Northumbria University, but instead he spent months in Leeds General Infirmary undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The Murray Watson Trust was set up to raise money for a stand up specialist wheelchair, but sadly Murray did not live to see it.

His friends and family continued to raise money after his death, and his parents, Nicola and Kenny, said the trust fund would continue to support other teenagers who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Shortly after his death Nicola described her son as a strong person who never felt sorry for himself.

“He was a very charitable person, so it is nice that his memory will be able to live on,” she said.

“He would have liked the money to help other people in that situation.”

To find out more about BTRS ring 0113 340 0111 or visit www.btrs.org.uk.