On Sunday 12th April 2020, a local family will be fundraising once again for The British Heart Foundation.
Jim’s Quinton Post Office will be going against The Northfield 9’ers in yet again another charity football match.
It will take place at Cadbury’s Football pitch off Bournville Lane, around a 2 minute walk from Cadbury World, with a 10:30 Kick Off.
The Northfield 9’ers are a group of local fundraisers that host this football match each year, along with other events throughout the year including an annual bike ride and a charity ball. Last year they beat Jim’s Quinton Post Office in a penalty shootout.
This event is the “brainchild’ of Jimmy Rowe, who wanted to do something in memory of his friend.
Alan Trevor Dews suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of 9th June 2015 and died in his sleep. It happened very suddenly and without any warning. Alan was 37 years old, active and healthy. His untimely death was a complete shock to everyone.
Alan loved life, lived it to the full and always had a smile on his face.
Jimmy Rowe, Organiser of the event, has said: “I organise the game to keep Alan’s memory going and by doing a football match it brings everyone together to remember Al as football was a massive part of his life.
“I played football with his father as a 17 year old lad and met Alan through the sport so when I wanted to keep Alan’s memory going a football match was a no brainer.
“The money we raise goes to a great charity and helps with the hard work of Dot, Alan and the Northfield 9’ers.”
The football match will be followed by fun and games that are arranged by Dorothy and Alan in The Cadbury Club Centenary Suite from 12pm till late.
Admission is FREE and will include a tombola, raffles, glitter tattoos, games, face painting, food, music and much more!
There will also be an Easter Bonnet Parade that is open to everyone! Prizes will be awarded to the most inventive creation.
Dorothy Dews, mother of Alan, said: “On June 9 2015, our life took a drastic turn when our precious 37 year old son, Alan Junior, suffered a cardiac arrest in his sleep.
“Alan sadly passed away, leaving behind his wife and five year old daughter. Alan’s death came as a complete shock. Only a few hours before, we had a typical family phone call ending in ‘love you, speak to you tomorrow’.
” It is our mission to support the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Life Saving Research. Because of the amount of work that they do to prevent deaths like Alan’s and so that through our terrible loss, some good can come. We are desperate to do anything we can to stop families and friends of loved ones suffering a similar tragedy.
“The “Northfield 9ers BHF Fundraising Group” was formed in June 2016, in memory of Alan. Number 9 was a very significant number in Alan’s life, e.g. he was born on the 9th April (the 99th day of the year) and Olivia was born in 2009 to name but a few.
“It seemed apt to include 9 in our Group Name. We have been overwhelmed by the love and support that has been showered on us, by family & friends and the new friends we’ve made along the way. To-date more than £37,500.00 has been raised in Alan’s memory! We appreciate every single penny as well as the time and effort people have dedicate to our mission.
“We take nothing for granted! Alan loved life, lived it to the full and always had a smile on his face. It’s our intention to continue to raise lots of smiles and FUNds for the BHF in his memory.”
All proceeds will go to The British Heart Foundation.
If you could like more information, please contact Dorothy or Alan Dews on 0121 608 4933 or 07757 653 453 or Email nf9ers@outlook.com (BHF FUNraising group- set up in memory of Alan Trevor Dews)
Facebook: Jimmy Rowe or Alan Dews’ Blue & White Army
If you would like to donate please visit the Just Giving Page.
