Mum opens playground in memory of tragic Owen (From Stourbridge News)

Mum opens playground in memory of tragic Owen

5:39pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News

A HEARTBROKEN Wordsley mum officially opened a new playground dedicated to the memory of her son who died after suffering an asthma attack.

Owen Jeremy, aged eight, suffered a cardiac arrest and died at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, just hours after the attack happened at Fairhaven Primary School where he was a popular pupil.

His parents Rowena and David were left devastated by the death of their only child, who had just the day before gained his 50m swimming badge.

Ten months on - on what would have been Owen’s ninth birthday on March 1 - his mum made an emotional return to the Barnett Lane school to officially open a new adventure play area dedicated to the Aston Villa mad youngster.

Accompanied by Owen’s grandparents Sue and Colin Pearson from Peterborough and joined by Villa mascot Chip, she placed a bouquet of flowers underneath a plaque by the facility which reads: “Owen Jeremy - Smiling Down On Us”.

She said afterwards “We’re so pleased the school has done so much to raise the money.

“I know this means a lot to the kids; they all talk about Owen in school - it’s nice to know he’s remembered.”

Headteacher Dave Rowe said the school had raised £11,000 for the new facility, which includes an array of different rope-style challenges.

He said: “It’s fanastic. It’s really nice equipment that all the pupils will enjoy. Owen would have loved it as he was very active.”

Mr Rowe said events including a sponsored bounce and a balloon release in memory of Owen raised money towards the new play area and further fundraisers will be held in the future to raise cash for Asthma UK to remember the fun-loving football fan and keen swimmer.

Neil Churchill, chief executive at Asthma UK, said: “Owen was an active and popular little boy and a playground in his memory is a lovely idea.

“We hope it provides a safe, fun place to remember Owen for years to come. We are working with the school to raise awareness of asthma and to support their fundraising efforts.

“All money they raise on our behalf will help us in our fight against asthma and to reach our goal that no child dies from asthma in the UK.”

Rowena, aged 38, is also gearing up to take part in a charity run to raise funds for the charity in memory of her little boy who dreamed of becoming a “rock star scientist” like TV’s Professor Brian Cox.

Together with friends, she will be running in the Manchester 10K on May 26.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online at www.justgiving.com/Rowena-Jeremy