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Runners raise funds in memory of Brentford Technical Director

April 6, 2019

Family and friends of Robert Rowan have raised over £25,000 by completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon in his memory.

The 28-year-old Technical Director suddenly, and tragically, passed away in November last year. He had an undiagnosed heart condition called cardiomyopathy.

A popular figure among players, staff and fans alike, Robert was also a loving husband to wife Suzanne.

Shortly after Robert passed Suzanne discovered the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Working with CRY, Suzanne aims to raise funds for screenings, diagnoses and to ultimately save lives.  

Robert and Suzzane’s wedding day photo

Thanks to the generosity of all those who donated and the 10 others who ran alongside Suzanne, she has already made a real difference.

But Suzanne doesn’t want to stop there. The London Landmarks Half Marathon is just the start of what she has planned.

On the 12th May Brentford will host a screening day. The day, in memory of Robert, will screen young people for undiagnosed heart conditions.

Most people don’t associate heart conditions with being young. However, every week in the UK, around 12 people under the age of 35 die from undiagnosed heart conditions. 

Suzanne wants to raise awareness, as well as funds, to make a difference. The more people who get screened, the more chance there is of saving lives.

Suzanne’s fundraising and attitude is testament to all that Robert was. She is determined to make an impact and to carry on Robert’s legacy.

You can find out more about Suzanne’s fundraising and donate by visiting her fundraiser page. If you have any fundraising ideas, tips or stories to share, feel free to get in touch with Suzanne.

Rob as Technical Director at Brentford FC

Featured image/Brentford FC

Author

  • Connor Woolley

    Connor, 26, comes from Long Eaton. As a Nottingham Forest supporter, he’ll say he is from Nottingham, but ask his Derby County supporting friends or family and they will proudly say they’re from Derby. He earned a degree in Media Studies from Nottingham Trent University in 2014. After graduating, Connor spent some time working in Public Relations. More recently, he has volunteered as a Police Special Constable. Passionate about all things football, Connor is specifically interest in goalkeeping. He still plays occasionally, although now it’s more trying than playing. After trying surfing for the first time on holiday this summer, he has found a new love, which he hopes to pursue further in the future. He also practices the Israeli self defence, Krav Maga. Connor hopes to improve his writing and broadcast skills with the Sports Gazette and St Mary’s University.