Tributes to Malvern 'legend' who raised thousands for charity

Steve Rowan, who ran the quiz nights at the Bluebell Inn off Guarlford Road, died on Thursday, December 21 after an accident at home a few days earlier.

Mr Rowan’s fundraising efforts at the pub had raised almost £30,000 for various Worcestershire charities in the past three years alone.

Steve Rowan enjoying a pint in the Bluebell (Image: Amaze)

Midlands Air Ambulance, Malvern Food Bank, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter were among the charities he helped, while money was also raised to install a defibrillator outside the Bluebell.

Andy Spencer, who runs the pub alongside Tony Aspley, said Mr Rowan was a “local legend” who would be sadly missed.

“Steve was more than a customer who came in to have a drink and run the quiz, he was part of the team,” said Mr Spencer. “He was so loved.

Mr Rowan was invited to the air ambulance base after raising thousands for the charity (Image: Submitted)

“He raised £5,500 for the air ambulance and helped get us the defibrillator - and on the night of his accident the air ambulance was called and his neighbour was told to get the defibrillator from the pub.

“His family are keen to thank the ICU at Worcestershire Royal - they gave them an extra three or four days with Steve to say their goodbyes.”

Mr Rowan’s wife Cathy and daughters Lucy and Sarah said they are devastated.

They said Mr Rowan, who was 66, had loved volunteering for English Heritage as well as running the quizzes at the Bluebell.

Mr Rowan (right) helps present a cheque to Acorns (Image: Submitted)

His most recent job before retirement was as a probation officer for the Worcester youth offending team, a role he was passionate about.

In recent months, the Bluebell quiz nights have been raising money to buy a new van for the Great Malvern charity Amaze.

Mr Spencer said the £5,000 target had almost been reached.

“We’ll continue until we’ve reached our goal because that’s what Steve would’ve wanted,” he said, “then we want to raise £1,500 for the ICU.

“We’re going to pause the quizzes in January but we will have to continue doing them - not doing it isn’t an option, but it’s going to be a tough challenge to step into Steve’s shoes.”

There are also plans to set up the Steve Rowan Charitable Foundation as a lasting legacy for Mr Rowan.

“He did so much to help the community,” said Mr Spencer. “Let’s continue it.”