8:33am Saturday 21st June 2008
By Ali Dent
A BEREAVED mum from Wickwar is putting her best foot forward to remember her six-year-old son.
Julia Stevens, 37, is running the Bristol Half Marathon this September in memory of Charlie, who died two years ago this month.
Charlie started going blind when he was just two after being diagnosed with a benign but aggressive brain tumour.
He spent four years in and out of hospital and underwent seven operations on his brain.
"The thing that keeps me going is that Charlie went through so much but he never complained, he just accepted and got on with it," said Julia, of Inglestone Road. "He gives me the push to keep going, he is my inspiration."
Charlie, described as a "happy young man, a bit cheeky and full of character", wanted to own his own sausage factory when he was older, such was his love of sausages.
"Charlie loved to play and had an imaginary bar in the corner of our lounge," added Julia.
"He would make pretend drinks but wouldn't let us pay for them - he was a generous boy who wanted his bar to be free.
"Now we have Charlie's Bar in an outbuilding in the garden, it is decorated with photos of him and Charlie's favourite drink, Coca Cola, is free on tap.
"He would have loved it."
During his illness, Charlie's big sister Ella, now aged 9, changed her behaviour and mum Julia did not know how to deal with her daughter.
The whole family received help and support from Kingswood-based child bereavement charity the Jessie May Trust and Julia is now hoping to raise thousands of pounds to say thank you.
The family, including husband John, also 37, have already raised £6,734 for the charity, including £2,500 which was donated at Charlie's funeral.
"I didn't understand the changes in Ella's behaviour and I wasn't sure how to support her," said Julia.
"It was good to have someone totally independent from our family and friends to talk to.
"It helped me to understand the different ways we were all grieving."
The couple named their new baby Lily-Charlie, 1, after their much-loved son.
Julia is competing in the marathon on September 13 with her sister Charlotte Bailey and friend Emma Beardwell to keep Charlie's "memory alive".
The Jessie May Trust still has spaces available for people to compete in the event on their behalf.
Fundraising manager Jane Atkinson said: "All our runners will be making a real difference, helping us reach every family that needs support.
"We still need the help of local people to fill our places so we urge readers to join Julia and her team to take up the challenge for children like Charlie."
Call 0117 961 6840 or email info@jessiemaytrust.org.uk for more information.
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