Suzanne Rowan, Robert’s wife, his brother Gary, and three friends have launched the A-K-A-Day in May challenge in memory of Robert Rowan who tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 28 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
The challenge aims to inspire people to get out and move for at least one kilometre each day in the month of May. All participants can cover the distance anyway they wish.
All money raised will be donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Suzanne said: “Robert passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition shortly after we celebrated our second wedding anniversary. He first knew there were irregularities with his heart when he was 16 or 17, and had regular check-ups and screenings but sadly passed away from Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) which is a genetic heart condition that can cause sudden death in young, apparently healthy, people.
“After his passing I wanted to support a charity in his memory, and chose CRY as they raise awareness of SADS.”
“As well as raising money for charity, the challenge helps to get people out and about and also helps with their mental health which is more important now than ever with the ongoing pandemic.
“Our friend Lisa Giove came up with the idea for the challenge, and we asked Debbie Millar, Gary Rowan and his partner Rebecca Reader to help try to make it something special in Robert’s honour – Lisa first shared her idea with me on 19th March so it’s been a quick turnaround!”
“I have met a lot of young widows who have lost their partners to the same thing that happened to Robert,” she said. “If we can even stop one family from losing someone the way we lost Robert it will all be worth it, as well as keeping his memory alive through the challenge.
“Robert was a very kind and caring person and this challenge really sums him up.”
For more information about A-K-A-Day in May challenge, please visit: https://www.entrycentral.com/event/115794
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