Rowan the Champion

Rowan is one of the many children Variety Queensland has supported over the last few years. He’s been an integral part of the Variety Kids Sports Camp and our Yamaha Variety Jet Trek.

In November 2020, Rowan was thrown 15 metres from his motorbike in a horror crash that nearly claimed his life. He was left with a severe traumatic brain injury – and after two weeks in an induced coma, faced a long road to recovery.

The first breakthrough came when he woke from his coma and was able to click his fingers in the unique way he’s always done – a sign for mum Jill and dad Jonathan that their boy was slowly coming back to them.

It wasn’t until late December that Jill and Jonathan came to the realisation that Rowan had lost his eyesight – after asking them to play something on TV, he said, “I think I’m blind mum”.

In the months that followed Rowan showed immense bravery, gradually improving through music therapy with Jill. Slowly he got out of bed and would dance, holding hands with his mum. “Soon he was laughing and joking,” says Jill. “Returning to his old self. It was remarkable!”

But that was just the start for Rowan, who is now competing at a state and national level in companion cross country! Jonathan runs with Rowan – building up his fitness as a result.

It seems that nothing can stop Rowan, who has most recently won a gold medal as National Champion in the Multi Class Aquathlon.

“He is so motivated,” Jill and Jonathan share. “He wants to be a braille teacher when he is older – and he would also like to go to the Paralympics and compete in running. This has really opened our world and his, in a positive way.”

We’re looking forward to hearing more from Jill and Jonathan at the Variety Magic Round Long Lunch on 30 April. Get your tickets here!