Brentford head coach Thomas Frank says the Heart of West London campaign is 'crucial' to saving lives, not just in the local community, but across the world.

The Heart of West London is a long-term partnership and commitment, bringing together key players in cardiac health to make a difference.

The partnership is a collaboration between Brentford FC, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Resuscitation Council UK, A-K-A Day and Pablo London. 

Frank highlighted the importance of the campaign, particularly in the local area.

"We want to encourage everyone to learn more about CPR so we can, hopefully, save lives," he said.  

“It's something we need to be aware of, globally, of course, but especially in west London.

"We’ve had two close situations to us, of course Rob Rowan [Brentford's former technical director], who sadly passed away, and then Chris Eriksen, who luckily got help from the CPR.

“So that’s a very sad story and a more positive story that we had very close to us. The way the club are supporting everyone is key.”

He added: “The Heart of West London campaign is crucial. There are a lot of other campaigns that we’re supporting too. 

“I'm donating to CRY, which supports young people and helps find out if there is any heart disease which could affect them later in life.  

“I think it's important that, first, you find out if people have anything that could make them vulnerable to a cardiac arrest, or you can help other people to prevent that cardiac arrest or save them with CPR.  

“Those initiatives are crucial because they can save lives.” 

Frank also underlined that the campaign is part of Robert Rowan's legacy, who died at the age of 28 after suffering a fatal cardiomyopathy episode in November 2018.

Rowan had been technical director at the club since February 2018 and had been with Brentford for just short of four years before he passed away.

“It’s a very, very nice way of promoting the legacy of Robert, which will hopefully help a lot of other people," the Bees boss added.

“We’re on a fantastic journey and hopefully he is looking down from the sky very happy and pleased with where we are, sitting there with a big smile on his face.” 

Brentford has now teamed up with Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity to raise £200,000 for ground-breaking sports cardiology research.

The world-first research study is aiming to help identify young people aged 14-35 who may be vulnerable to young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

The club will be contributing up to £100,000 in match-funding to the project and is now calling on fans to get involved.

Brentford fans will be offered 12 places in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which takes place on 2 April 2023, and six places in Ride London, on 28 May.

Fans can register their interest by completing the form on our fundraising page.

By fundraising for the Heart of West London partnership, fans will receive an exclusive fundraising package, rewards, and money-can’t-buy experiences, subject to the level of funds raised.