Jason Bowen, an ex-Swansea, Birmingham, Reading, Cardiff, Newport player, 50, has sadly been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Bowen’s family confirmed he was given the devastating diagnosis in March 2021, 13 years after his wife Hayley’s mum had passed away from the disease.
Bowen is familiar name in Wales, with his son, Sam, having risen through Cardiff’s academy in recent years and was given a first-team debut by Mick McCarthy. The 22-year-old midfielder now plays at Newport County.
Gutting news. https://t.co/yiu08r5P8t
— Glen Williams (@GlenWilliams12) February 9, 2023
Jason, who now lives in Langstone, Newport, is also Dad to Jaye and Theo and a grandfather to Carter. He’s the son of Terry and Louise and brother to Ricky.
A GoFundMe donation page as been set up, with the aim to raise £10,000 to help towards the cost of treating the disease, which at present has no cure. Nealy £6,000 has been raised at the time of writing.
All the best to former Cymru midfielder Jason Bowen and his family after he was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease.
I’m sure the whole of the Red Wall sends its best wishes to 💔
🏴 pic.twitter.com/M64Lvsl5IA
— Red Wall News 🏴 (@RedWallNews1) February 9, 2023
Sam Bowen was presented with the #ClubGOTM trophy by his father, former #Bluebirds winger Jason Bowen, at HT during the @bcfctweets match. pic.twitter.com/O1QItszdBH
— Cardiff City Academy (@CF11Academy) October 17, 2016
A statement on his GoFundMe page reads: “When we first discovered that Jason had MND tears were shed, anger expressed, and a feeling of total and utter despair set in.
“However, despite such negative emotions and experiences, these past 18 months since diagnosis have also shown us the power of positivity, friendship, love and community as friends, family and colleagues have all pulled together to help.
“Jason’s family’s attitude is amazing. They are strong, loving and supportive. They are not giving up and looking for any treatments that will help Jason now and in the future.
“The main objective of our fundraising is to provide financial support to cover Jason’s ongoing medical costs. These include holistic treatments, supplements, daily living aids, hydrotherapy and Specialist Neuro physiology at the wonderful Morello Clinic in Langstone. This will also enable us to explore new avenues to help Jason and his family.”
Rugby union star Doddie Weir and rugby league legend Rob Burrows, both of whom have suffered with the disease. Weir passed away last November, aged 52.
SEE MORE: Former Prem and EFL player opens up on life with Motor Neurone Disease age 50
HIS CAREER
1990–1995 – Swansea City – 124 games (26 goals)
1995–1997 – Birmingham City – 48 games (7 goals)
1997 → Southampton (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
1997–1999 – Reading – 15 games (1 goal)
1999–2004 – Cardiff City – 134 games (34 goals)
2004–2008 – Newport County – 149 games (48 goals)
2008–2013 – Llanelli – 115 games (13 goals)
Total – 588 games (129 goals)
International career
1992–1993 – Wales U21 – 5 games (1 goal)
1994–1996 – Wales – 2 games (0 goals)
This is what fans said with the ex-Swansea, Birmingham, Reading, Cardiff, Newport player, 50, diagnosed with motor neurone disease…
@71_alec: Jason Bowen, poor fella, really lovely bloke 😢
@stefbluebird: Gutted to hear about Jason Bowen. One of the players that got me hooked on City in the late 90s. Keep fighting fella
@badgers_back: Remember Jason Bowen tearing us apart for Swansea, was delighted when we signed him, good player. Thoughts with him and his family in his battle against that terrible disease. #bcfc
jonesynator: A fabulous player at Birmingham. Gutted
@markygee6: Very sad to hear this news. One of my favourite Swans players down the vetch. Cracking player.
@79_SDJ: There are so many grass based athletes that have been diagnosed with #MND. Just wish they would look into the chemicals sprayed on the pitch – fertiliers, pesticides, etc Stephen Darby, Rob Burrows, Doddie Weir, Lenny Johnrose, Joost VD Westhuizen, Tinus Linee, Fernando Ricksen
@hiraeth16091400: No way. One of my favorite players during the Sam Hammam era as a child. I met him a few times off the pitch, and he was always extremely funny and kind. Take care, Jason.
@Colemans_Dream: Awful news. Many good memories watching him late nineties/early 2000’s for Cardiff.
@WelshPackers: Ahhhh 😩 what devastating news
@springlew114: @SwansOfficial @CardiffCityFC @NewportCounty let’s do something!
@gassonglyn: That’s really sad, top bloke
@MPearlo: Awfully sad news. In terms of the player I enjoyed watching most in 12 years covering Newport County, Jason was in the top 1. He was as smooth as silk. All the best to him & his family.
@Jimdj1987: This absolutely sucks
@jongraham90: Horrible news 😥
@NinianOpinion: Bloody awful news that – Was a massive part of my early years following City
@TheLeckwithMole: Devastated to hear of Jason Bowen’s diagnosis. Loved watching him down the City, I hope
@CardiffCityFC can get involved in supporting Jason. 💙☹️
@GreggC_CC: Awful awful news.
@YoungmanMj: Strewth. Hope the the football family – especially the PFA are also giving support
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