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Family holds tribute night for Robert
The family of a young Barnsley man who died suddenly are holding a tribute night in his memory on Friday, February 3rd.
Robert Cooper, aged 25, from Barnsley appeared fit and well when he went off to work but died two hours later from cardiomyopathy.
Now his sister Sarah O’Mara and her husband James (pictured above with a photo of Robert) from Barugh Green, South Yorkshire, are holding a special night to commemorate his life at the Barugh Green Club.
Sarah said: “We are overwhelmed with the response we have had. All 260 tickets have been bought by Robert’s friends, his football mates, family, workmates and neighbours. And loads of people have been disappointed that we do not have more room for more.”
She said: “Robert was a popular, kind, loving and gentle person with a great sense of humour and an ability to make you laugh. He had no symptoms and had never been ill in his life. So his death has devastated everyone who knew him.”
After his death in November 2010, Robert’s parents contacted the Cardiomyopathy Association for information.
Immediate family members have now had heart checks at the Heart Hospital in London. The hospital has a team of doctors that specialise in diagnosing and treating the condition.
Sarah said: “Other family members had some serious illnesses around the same time. So we went through a great deal in a short space of time but some how we are all finding the strength to carry on and giving support to the Cardiomyopathy Association.”
To honour Robert, his parents have also set up the CMA Robert Cooper Tribute Fund, which has already received donations from friends and family.
Sarah said: “The Cardiomyopathy Association doesn’t get any Government funding. So it relies on donations and families like us to raise funds for its important work. We plan to organise other events throughout the year to support the charity and we want to raise awareness of the condition because when it is diagnosed most affected people can be successfully treated.”
At the tribute night, local Barnsley band Miss Chief will be performing for free. A variety of football clubs, eating establishments and other companies have donated many items for the raffle and auction. These include the pies and peas supper, signed auction prizes from boxer David Haye and pop band One Direction, and a holiday apartment in Spain for a week, donated by Robert’s cousins Andrea and David Cooper.
Sarah and James are hoping to raise more than £3,000 for the CMA from the tribute night.
Anyone who would like to provide other donations or buy raffle tickets should email James at james_O_mara@hotmail.com
by CMA Manager on 20-Jan-12 11:21
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The Cardiomyopathy Association's Registered Charity Number is 803262.
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Dedicated to Damian McLoughlin, who died age 20 of cardiomyopathy. This site is supported by Damian's family and friends.
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