More than £2,300 has been raised in memory of Wigan teenager Jamie Highton through a charity football match and a fundraising challenge by his mum Nicola, who has also unveiled a memorial bench for him.
Jamie was 19 when he died last year while on a fishing trip in France with his brother. He had lived with epilepsy and had been seizure-free for more than three years before his death.
While players took to the pitch at Ashton Town’s Barton’s Group Stadium on Saturday 30 May, Nicola was in Fains, Normandy, where she placed a memorial bench at the lake where Jamie passed away.
Nicola said: ““We all miss Jamie dearly every day and that pain will never leave us. He really was one in a million.
“As a family, if we can help any other families to gain further understanding and raise awareness, or be here as a source of support for each other, that gives us comfort.”
The charity football match between Springfield FC and Seneley & Garswood Juniors raised just under £1,500, while Nicola raised £817 after running 58 miles during May for Epilepsy Action.
The money will be split between Epilepsy Action and SUDEP Action, a charity supporting families affected by Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Nicola said both organisations have been an important source of support since losing her son.
“They have been a tremendous charity for myself to be able to chat and seek advice and because they have an understanding of what families are dealing with, I get comfort from them when I speak to them every few weeks,” she said.
Jamie played for Springfield FC and trained at Grundy Fight Academy in Newtown, where he earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and competed in an MMA bout. In a tribute following his death, Grundy Fight Academy described him as “kind, generous and universally loved”.
“Throughout his time with us, he selflessly gave back, helping teach the kids, supporting newcomers and always showing up for others,” the academy said.
“Jamie lit up every room he walked into.”
More than a year on from his death, Jamie remains very much present in the lives of those who knew him.
For more info on Nicola’s fundraiser, click here.
