A father and role model to his sons

WHEN I heard what happened to Adam Watts I was shocked, horrified and deeply saddened.

I had been in fairly regular contact with Adam for a few years and couldn’t believe what I heard about his death.

Adam was attacked by a dog last week at his Juniper Kennels and Cattery at Auchterhouse.

I met Adam in 2018 when he contacted me to write an article about his then sevenyear-old son, Charlie.

Charlie wanted to walk for 10 hours back and forwards over the Tay Road Bridge for Roxburghe House.

The staff there had looked after his mum, Adam’s wife Eileen, who died in 2013 when Charlie was two years old.

He wanted to do something positive in memory of his mum.

His fundraising earned a letter from Sir David Attenborough.

Adam was proud of Charlie and his four brothers, and spoke about how he wanted to give Charlie all the encouragement he could.

He helped Charlie plan the walk, trained with him and supported him all the way.

Adam appreciated how hard it was for Charlie growing up without his mum and how he understood his son’s wishes to do something she would have been proud of.

Over the next few years, up until this year, Charlie and Adam did a sponsored walk in aid of good causes – all the time with the memory of Eileen pushing them on.

Adam often spoke of Charlie’s determination, tenacity, strength and guts.

These were all qualities he inherited from his dad.

Adam was always polite and helpful, and his absolute pride in his young son shone through.

When we used to ask them to pose for photographs Charlie could be a little reluctant but his dad always made it easy and fun for him.

Adam remained Charlie’s greatest supporter.

Adam’s death is devastating for his family and friends.

They can be proud he was a friendly, easy-going, fun-loving man who put everyone he met at ease to enjoy his company.