He battled cancer with the same mental and physical resilience which made him an up and coming star in the world of judo throughout Great Britain.

So when news of Jamie’s death spread across the judo community, a call went out to all judo clubs to turn out and train in honour of the Commonwealth Games competitor.

Over 100 members of all ages stepped onto the mat for the “Train for Jamie” event run at the Maesteg Sports Centre, organised in his hometown in memory of the 26 year old who sadly lost his brave battle against a brain tumour in November.

Organised by local judo coach Ashley Bowen, the event raised £900.00, which will be split evenly across Marie Curie and Cardiff University’s research into brain tumours.

“It was absolutely fantastic” said Ashley, 23, of Sanshirokwai Dojo in Llanelli.

“We had 60 juniors in the morning session with a further 36 seniors on the mats in the afternoon session.”

“Everyone really enjoyed it and they were all asking when the next one will be, so in January 2019 we will probably have another one.”

“Jamie’s mother attended and she was really happy with it. She loved the day and  thought it was amazing!”

Jamie’s coach Kerry Pulvirenti was also on hand to offer tips to aspiring judoka.

He said: “Jamie was like the son that I never had. We travelled the whole length and breadth of Great Britain and Europe together” 

“If I could use Jamie’s words, “Cancer is like judo, you get knocked down, you get back up, you get knocked down, you get back up“.

“That’s how Jamie took the news when he was diagnosed. In the end, it was too much and he sadly passed away.

“Jamie wasn’t just a pupil with me, he was a friend, coach and competitor and the son that I never had.”