169 Young People Receive Free Heart Screening at Community Stadium Hub

The event continued the lasting legacy of Robert Rowan, technical director, who tragically died at the age of 28 in November 2018 after suffering a fatal cardiomyopathy episode.

Pontus Jansson and Josh Dasilva attended the Trust’s Community Stadium Hub last weekend as 169 local young people received free heart screenings through our Heart of West London partnership.

The screenings were provided by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and organised in partnership with Robert Rowan’s wife, Suzanne Rowan. CRY’s mission is to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and supporting affected families.

CRY is one of several organisations working with the Club and Trust in our long-term partnership, Heart of West of London; which aims to use the power of sport and our collective voice to improve cardiac health in the local community and beyond.

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. In 80% of cases of young sudden cardiac death, there are no prior symptoms of a heart defect.

Our ambition is to ensure that everyone has the skills to save a life. And, to raise awareness of heart disease and the lifestyle changes necessary to live healthier lives. The screenings last weekend were part of an ongoing commitment for local people to get involved, increase their knowledge, donate and save lives.

Speaking after the screenings, Suzanne Rowan said, “Robert’s family and I are incredibly grateful for the support over the weekend and delighted that so many young hearts have been checked by CRY in his memory.

“To have Pontus, Josh and some of the women’s team come along means the world and really helps to highlight the important work that CRY do. To do all of this in partnership with the Heart of West London is an honour and I’m so proud to be involved in this initiative.”